Erma Lee Shepherd, 81, of Rome City, Indiana, died Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at her residence with her family at her side.

She was born June 15, 1942, in Hueysville, Kentucky, to Zeak and Zelia (Sexton) Prater.

On December 24, 1959, she married Bobby Ray Shepherd. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2017.

Mrs. Shepherd was a homemaker.

She dearly loved being around her grandchildren and always looked forward to summer when she would be able to sit on her front porch swing and wave at everyone passing by.

Surviving are two daughters, Debra (John) Snyder of Kendallville and Michelle Chaffins of Rome City; two sons, Larry (Alice) Shepherd of LaGrange and Rick (Hollie) Shepherd of Orland; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Ruth Shepherd of Osceola, Michigan, Ruby (Doug) Schuster of Sturgis, Michigan, Irene Houseknect of Hillsdale, Michigan, and Pauline (Charles) Stacy of Wolcottville; and a brother, Rondal (Deana) Prater of Wawaka.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Japalene Bentley; and three brothers, Billy Howard, Eugene Howard, and Willis Howard.

The funeral service will be Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Word of Life Outreach Center, 136 South Main Street, Kendallville with Pastor April Bradley officiating.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.

Burial will follow the service at Orange Cemetery near Rome City.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

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