Barb J. Shephard

Barbara J Shephard, 72, passed away November 1, 2018 with her family by her side, after a courageous battle against cancer.

She was born in Hudson, SD to George and Eunice (Severson) Askling on August 1, 1946. The family moved to Conrad, MT as a young child. She graduated from Conrad High School in 1964.

Barb married Thomas Shephard in 1970, they would have celebrated 48 years together on November 7th. They spent many weekends at the lake; fishing, boating, and enjoying the company of their loved ones.

Barb began work for the state of Montana as an appraiser. After working for the state 28 years, she worked independently doing residential appraisals for 19 years. Barb then retired to spend time supporting and being with the grandkids, following them around the state. She was her grandkids biggest fan and #1 supporter. In her free time, she participated in bowling league and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed being with her friends and looked forward to their monthly “girls’ night out”. She loved spending time with her family and friends camping, boating and fishing at Willow Creek. Many nights were spent playing cards with her grandkids. There was never a stranger in their home and all visitors left as a friend. She was known to all as “Grandma Barb”.

Barb is survived by her husband Tom Shephard, her mother Eunice Askling, 3 siblings: Joyce (Ken) Yocom, Kathy (Vernon) Gjuillin, Leon (Jeri) Askling, her two daughters: Traci (Daryl) Vandenacre and Robin (Tim) VanDyke, and seven grandchildren: Casey Vandenacre, Cari (Jared) Giard, Megan Vandenacre, Kyle Vandenacre, Jaren VanDyke, Morgan VanDyke,  Dalayne VanDyke and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father George Askling, sisters: Gale Koenig and Georgia Widhalm, and her brother-in-law Ray Widhalm.

Services will be held Friday, November 9, 2018 at the Pondera Valley Lutheran Church at 11:00 A.M. Please join the family at the Moose Lodge following the services for a luncheon and celebration of life. Memorials, in Barb’s name, may be made to Pondera Medical Center to assist in remodeling the Acute Care Rooms. Please note Acute Care in the memo line.