Ruth Ann Sheppard

Ruth was born on June 26, 1935, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Herman and Melba Nagel. She married the love of her life, Joe Sheppard, on July 15, 1952, in Waverly, IL. He preceded her in death on September 5, 1984.

Ruth was employed for many years at Pillsbury Corporation and later at Sacred Heart Convent. After retirement, she devoted herself fully to her greatest passion: being present for her family. Ruth was the heart of her home—steadfast, nurturing, and endlessly generous. She poured her love into every role she held: as a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, a guiding great-grandmother, and a cherished sister, aunt, and friend.

As the beloved matriarch of the Sheppard family, Ruth was the anchor in both calm and storm. She was the one everyone turned to for advice, comfort, or a warm meal. Her strength, wisdom, and unwavering love held generations together and shaped the values of the family she cherished so deeply.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—dancing, playing bingo, and cooking for loved ones. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and the kinds of meals that brought everyone to the table. She was never happier than when she had her family close, especially with a baby in her arms.

In addition to her beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; and three sisters.

She is survived by her five children, Dianna (Reg) Brunk of Virginia, Steve (Traci) Sheppard of New Berlin, Marlene (Ed) Bauman of New Berlin, Marcia (companion, Gary Claybourn) Sheppard of Springfield, and Jamie (Mo) Tendick of Berlin; sister, Judy Long of Florida; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ruth’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, and unwavering support. Her legacy as the matriarch of her family will live on in the generations she nurtured, and her memory will forever be a blessing to those who knew and loved her.

Visitation and Funeral Service: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- New Berlin, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin, until the time of the service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Marsha Funnerman officiating.

Burial will follow at Woodwreath Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.