Loretta F. Shepard

Loretta Fern Shepard, 90, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Wesley Acres in Des Moines. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m.

Loretta was born September 2, 1927 to Stephen and Cecil (McTwigan) Smith in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She married the love of her life, William, on August 22, 1947 and together they raised eight children. Loretta was a member of the national Mothers of Twins Club and was an active member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church since 1964 serving on the Altar and Rosary Society. She volunteered for the Red Cross, traveling the country assisting those in need after disasters. Loretta loved children and for 25 years had an in-home daycare. She also was a part of the Telephone Pioneers that focused on the education of children through reading and helped paint maps at playgrounds for children. Loretta loved to bake and cook and looked forward to family gatherings. She baked cookies for every occasion and enjoyed sharing her passion with her grandkids. Loretta had the knack to make every child feel like her favorite.

Loretta is survived by her husband of 70 years, William; daughters, Kathleen (Joe) Fazio of Norwalk, Jenifer (Scott) Kollings of Lake Oswego, OR, Julie (Gary) Smuck of West Des Moines; sons, Stephen Shepard of West Des Moines, Thomas (Vicki) Shepard of Tacoma, WA, Michael (Susan) Shepard of Rochester, MN, Jeffry Shepard (Jenny Beebe) of Stuart, IA, Patrick (Diana) Shepard of West Des Moines; 22 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; and sister, Betty Mathews of Council Bluffs, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Stephen Smith, Lewis Russell Smith and Richard Smith; sister, Bonita Smith; and grandson, Jason Fazio.

The family thanks the staff of Wesley Acres and Wesley Hospice for the love and care she received during her final days.

The family asks that memorials be made to Alzheimer’s Association or St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.