Sandra Shepherd

Sandra Shepherd, 78, of rural Akron, passed away at 9:36 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Sandra was born on March 21, 1946, in Warsaw, to William and Marie (Wideman) Rathbun. She graduated from Mentone High School in 1964. On Dec. 9, 1967, she married Ellis Shepherd, who preceded her in death on Oct. 14, 2021.

Sandra was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was known for her meticulous attention to detail, her creativity and ability to make something with nothing. Sandra’s home was her work of art and noted by many for being one of the coziest homes they had been in. She was also known for being able to pull together a meal for a crowd with little notice and fed many “extra” teenage boys and young men at her table. Sandra was also known for her ability to keep a family recipe a secret. She was a homemaker in every sense of the word and was the true heart of her home. Sandra had an unbelievable green thumb and was well known for her skills with house plants. She had a love of learning that came through in her voracious reading habits and love of all things nature.

She is survived by her children, Todd, and wife Shannon, of Rochester; Scott, and wife Lori, of Warsaw; Josh, and wife Stephanie, of Akron; Ashley, and husband Daryn, of Roann; eight granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Carol, and husband Don, of Mentone. Also surviving is her beloved Maine coon cat, Tuffins.

Along with her husband, Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Cam Rathbun.

The funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with the Rev. Michael Smith officiating.

A private interment will take place in the Mentone Cemetery, Mentone, next to her husband.

Visitation hours will be held from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.