A Celebration of Life for Ethel Shephard, Age 91 of Houston, Missouri will be held on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, At The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove, Missouri, beginning at 10:00 AM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will be in The Broyles Cemetery, Hartville, Missouri.
Ethel Roberta Sheppard was born January 27, 1935, in Deepwater, Missouri, to John Theodore and Geneva B. (Cummings) Mitchell. She passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, in Houston, Missouri, at the age of 91 years, 1 month and 21 days.
On September 29, 1952, Ethel married the love of her life, Earl Noble Sheppard. Earl would later complete his service in the United States Marine Corps, making Ethel a wife of a World War II veteran.
In her early years, Ethel gained an appreciation for and was great at crocheting. She also liked to read her books, preferring reading over watching television. Often, she could be found at flea markets and swap meets, always hunting for that great bargain! Later in life, Ethel found great joy in entertaining her family and friends. She loved spending time with her family at their Sunday family dinners.
Ethel gave her life to the Lord. She loved learning about the gospel and attended bible studies at the church next door to where she resided. Having fought the good fight, she stayed faithful and endured to the very end.
Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, daughters Paula, Tina and Kathy, brothers, John Henry and Charles Dean, and sisters, Nancy Bell, Dorothy Maxine, Evelyn Joyce and Elma Faye.
Ethel is survived by her sons, Ted Sheppard (Barbara) and Toby Sheppard (Kristen), both of Cabool, Missouri; daughter, Becky Scott (Wes) of Cabool, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; other loving family and many friends.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the families of Derick Harrington, Norma Sellers, and the Countryside Church of the Nazarene.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Ethel’s name to The Broyles Cemetery Fund.
