Obituary of Doris Mae Shepard

Doris Mae Wethington Shepard, age 90, a dearly-loved mother, grandmother, wife and aunt, left the arms of family at Gallatin Nursing and Rehab to be embraced by her Lord and Savior on May 16, 2023.

Doris was born in St. Bernard, Ohio to the late Howard and Marie Wethington (née Hamilton) on October 28, 1932. She graduated from Our Lady of Angels High School in St. Bernard.

An American flag was always flown in front of Doris’s house. She loved her country. Her family remembers being regaled by stories of her being a young woman during World War II. From putting the car in neutral going down the hill to save gas to painting on her nylons, she participated in many civilian war efforts. She was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

After the war was over, Doris’ sweetheart came back home. She and Frederick Horace Shepard were married. They started their family and home first in Batavia, OH but then moved to Elsmere, KY.

Doris was a woman of deep faith. Throughout her life she conducted prayer and devotional meetings and even co-pastored a few small congregations. She was incredibly well-read and intelligent. Doris taught herself Hebrew and many other languages in order to read ancient sacred texts.

In their later years, Doris and Fred both enjoyed travelling. They went all around the United States, even on an Alaskan cruise. Doris completed the trip of a lifetime when she was able to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt she walked where Jesus had walked.

An animal person, Doris loved nothing more than to be outside and in God’s creation. She gardened and taught her children and grandchildren about wildlife, plants and old folk remedies. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her country and Depression-era cooking: fried apples, country steak and creamed chipped beef on toast or biscuits.

Above everything else, those who knew Doris will recall that she was a devoted wife, mother, “granny/gramm”, aunt and friend.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Frederick Horace Shepard; her parents Howard and Marie; her sister Faye Masters; her brothers Don Wethington and Robert “Bud” Wethington; her sons Steven Shepard and Dale Shepard; granddaughter Amy Williams Matalka and beloved dog Teddy.

Surviving to carry on her legacy are her children Rebecca (David) Williams, Sharon (Don) Payton, Mark Shepard, Brian Shepard, Gina (Mike) Vagedes; grandchildren Scott Williams, Erin Rademaker, Eric Chester, Kelly Preston, Nicole Mangus, Stephen Shepard, Tess Payton, Ashley Miller, Joe Payton, and Emily Shepard; along with many great-grandchildren, close relatives, church family and friends. Doris will also be dearly missed by her treasured pup Snoopy.

In keeping with Doris’ wishes she will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 3227 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger, KY 41018.

If you would like to give a gift to remember Doris, memorial contributions may be made in her name to her home church, Gallatin Community Church, 107 E High St, Warsaw, KY 41095. You may also choose to donate online here.

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