Mary Louise Shepard, age 89, of Springfield, Missouri, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 22, 2024, at Glendale Gardens. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was born to Ralph and Hazel (Cornmesser) Smith on January 29, 1935, in Kirksville, Missouri. Mary Louise grew up in the Kirksville and graduated from Kirksville High School inContinue Reading
Mary Louise Shepard, age 89, of Springfield, Missouri, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 22, 2024, at Glendale Gardens. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was born to Ralph and Hazel (Cornmesser) Smith on January 29, 1935, in Kirksville, Missouri. Mary Louise grew up in the Kirksville and graduated from Kirksville High School in 1953. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Wendell Shepard on December 20, 1964, in Kirksville. The couple shared 59 years of marriage and were blessed with three loving children: Michael, Patrick, and Wendy.
Mary Louise earned a Bachelor’s degree in education from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University). For more than twenty years, Mary Louise diligently served as a paraprofessional at Robberson Elementary School in Springfield. She provided care and personalized support for hundreds of children during her tenure with Springfield Public Schools. When not working or tending to her home, Mary Louise found great joy in attending church at Schweitzer and volunteering at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. She enjoyed attending a variety of live performances, especially with her husband. Nothing, however, brought her more fulfillment than spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered as a devout Christian lady who was vibrant, cheerful, friendly, and generous.
Mary Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Hazel Smith. She is survived by her husband and best friend, Wendell Shepard; son, Michael Shepard; son, Patrick Shepard; daughter, Wendy Shepard; ten grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. She will be deeply missed by everyone whose life she so tenderly touched.
The family will host a visitation on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 am, at Schweitzer Church in Springfield. A memorial service will be held immediately following her visitation. Mary Louise will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens at a later date. The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.
Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.
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