Ruth Elizabeth Shepard

Ruth Elizabeth Shepard peacefully went home to be with the Lord on January 3, 2025, 21 days before her 83rd birthday. She was born in Gaines, Michigan on January 24, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Robert Leroy Hoskins and Ruth Elizabeth (Parrish) Hoskins. At the age of 16 she met the love of her life, Victor L. Shepard, and they were married on January 16, 1960. After their marriage, Ruth and Victor began working together on the family farm. On Sunday, December 25, 1962, they accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. This decision would change the course of their lives by committing their lives to the ministry. After Bible college, they began serving in different churches as an assistant pastor, working in the bus ministry, and church planting throughout the states of Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and New York. Ruth had a major part in the leading of the deaf ministry in many of those churches. After her children were raised, she followed her husband to the Mission Fields of Bahamas in 1988-1991; In 1994 God led them to the land of Grenada where they served the Lord faithfully until the early 2000s. Their ministry in Grenada was very successful and is still thriving today. She was an active member of Maranatha Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, FL before moving to Maryland in 2022. She enjoyed sewing, baking bread for her grandchildren, enjoyed her friendships with the several of the ladies from Faith Bible Church, but most of all spending time with her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a sassy, strong, and independent woman who always had a joke to crack. She loved being a grandmother, but especially loved being promoted to a great-grandmother and then great-great-grandmother, because she was just that great. She led a life full of love, faith, and dedication to her family and community. It is clear that she touched many lives. Her legacy and the impact she had on those around her will undoubtedly be remembered fondly. In addition to her husband of 62 years, Victor L. Shepard was preceded in death by her in-laws, Donald and Florence Shepard, a brother-in-law, Don Shepard, and sister-in-law Ruthi Shepard. She is survived by her children: Donna Shenenberger (Curtis), Teresa Connor (Kelvin), Victor Shepard (Susie), and Andy Shepard (Serena); grandchildren: Amber Morgan (Kyle), Victor P. Shepard (Tais), Samuel David Shenenberger (Megan), Kraig Connor, Kory Connor (Kellie), Kalvin Connor (Kelly), Nicole Shepard, Justin Shepard (Schuyler), and Jared Shepard (Crystal); great-grandchildren: Melody, Kimberly, David, Rebecca, Isaiah, Gavin, Ethan, Vada, Kaius, Aila, Hallie, Evelyn, Samuel, Lucy, Charlotte, Rayla, and Isadora; great-great-grandchildren, Malachi and Milani; her precious sister, Nellie Toomey; brother-in-law, Robert Shepard (Rebecca); and sister-in-law Evelyn Shepard. Services will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:00 am at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown. A viewing will be held one hour prior, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compass Regional Hospice at 160 Coursevall Dr. Centreville, MD 21617 or to Faith Bible Church for Joseph Childers, a missionary in Grenada, at 407 Dudley Corners Rd. Sudlersville, MD 21668.

Ruth Elizabeth Shepard

January 24, 1942 - January 3, 2025