Gloria Jean Shepard, age 79, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away May 2, 2019 with family gathered at her side. She was born February 16, 1940 to Chancie and Helen (McCarter) Worthington and grew up in the Stanley, Kansas area. She attended Stanley High School, where she excelled in many subjects (especially math), and graduated in 1958. Upon graduation she pursed a career in business and retired as the office manager for a local doctors facility.
Gloria was united in marriage to John Francisco; John later died of cancer. In March of 1983 she married Roger Dean Shepard; they spent 40 years together until her passing. Gloria was fond of her flower garden and loved cooking and caring for her family. She never missed sending a birthday well wish in the mail to her family and was fondly remembered by nieces, nephew and grandchildren for sending money in the exact amount of the recipient's age.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, and nephew-in-law Rick Zajic. Gloria was survived by her husband Roger and his 3 children Kim (Bruce) Berberian, Carmen Shepard, Scott Shepard, 2 grandchildren, Christy (Nic) Williams, Ashley (Brian) Mathie, and 8 wonderful great-grandchildren, a sister and brother-in-law Virginia and Lloyd Peckman, nieces and nephew, Sherri (Chris) Peckman Webb, Pamela (Kyle) Peckman Minden, Jennifer (Randy) Peckman Rethman, Jon (Nicole) Peckman, Suzanne Peckman Zajic and 12 wonderful great-nieces and great-nephews.
One of Gloria's favorite charities was "Stamping for a Cause", which she became passionate about after the tragic death of a close friends infant son named Daniel. She helped raise funds for the charity by selling handmade cards that the group made, with proceeds to benefit the Children's Mercy Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Daniel E. Miller Fund at Children's Mercy Hospital. For more information visit www.stampingforacause.com.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00am to 10:00am on Friday, May 24th followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00am at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.
