Loretta Shepperd

Loretta J. Shepperd, 86, a long-time resident of Atlantic, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Loretta Jean Ahrenholtz was born on November 17, 1930, in Crawford County, Iowa, the daughter of Pete and Sallie (Jedele) Ahrenholtz. She grew up on a farm south of Denison and graduated from Denison High School and Westmar College.

She married Philip Shepperd on June 6, 1954, in Defiance, Iowa. Loretta taught at Lincoln Elementary in Atlantic, but most of her working years were spent as Activity Coordinator at Heritage House. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, and enjoyed the United Methodist Women and being involved in other church activities. Loretta also looked forward to volunteering in her community.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Cindy Shepperd of Philadelphia, PA; son, Chris Shepperd and his wife, Cristie of Plattsmouth, NE, and their children, Nickolas, Mitchel, and Mikhail; son, Paul Shepperd of Adel, IA, and his children, Joey and Jenny; brothers, Willis Ahrenholtz and his wife, Dee, Leonard (Jake) Ahrenholtz and his wife, Shirley, and Jim Ahrenholtz and his wife, Karen; sisters, Ruth Carstens and her husband, Gilbert, Martha Camden and her husband, Bob, and Marie Jennings; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip; sister, Lucille Ahrenholtz; brother and sister-in-law, Wesley Ahrenholtz and his wife, Virgene; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Shepperd Darr and her husband, Lester and Shirley Shepperd Butler and her husband, Rex.

To honor Loretta's wishes a Celebration of Life Picnic will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at Camblin Addition at Sunnyside Park. Casual attire is requested.

In the case of inclement weather the picnic will be held in the fellowship hall at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic.

A private family inurnment will take place in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Loretta's family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and have requested privacy. They look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday!

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation to the United Methodist Women Pie Room Renovation and the Sunnyside Pool Renovation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Loretta's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.