Mary A. Shepard

Mary A. Shepard, age 78, of Merrill, died Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Hospice House, Wausau.

Mary was born May 25, 1934, in Merrill, daughter of the late Edmund and Ruth (Driver) Shepard. She was employed by the former East Side Floral as a designer for 17 years. Mary then worked at T.B. Scott Library in children's services for 23 years, before retiring in 1993. Mary enjoyed baking, collecting dolls, and using her artistic talents to make beautiful floral arrangements. Mary also enjoyed making everyone else happy.

Survivors include one sister, Faye E. Mittlesteadt, of Merrill; one brother-in-law, Myron Forster, of Gleason; seven nieces and nephews, Randy Forster, of Gleason, Todd (Jodie) Forster, of Gleason, Sue (Craig) Schubring, of Wausau, Bruce (Sally) Mittlesteadt, of Hartford, WI, Breck (Bonnie) Mittlesteadt, of Mosinee, Mark (Dawn) Mittlesteadt, of Rothschild, and Chris O'Hare, of Manchester, MO; and many special and dear friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Ruth Shepard; one sister, Wilma Forster; one brother-in-law, Norman Mittlesteadt; and one nephew, Perry Forster.

The memorial service was held Saturday, March 17, 2012, at St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, Merrill. Pastor Missy Holdorf officiated. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, assisted the family with arrangements.

The family extends a special thank you to all of Mary's caregivers at Hospice House who assisted with her care in these last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to: St. Stephen's United Church of Christ; Lincoln County Humane Society; TB Scott Library; Food Pantry; or Hospice House.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com