Obituary for Doris Shepherd

Doris Eloise Shepherd

April 24, 1923 – August 17, 2020

Doris Eloise Shepherd of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Monday evening, August 17, 2020, at her home at the age of 97 years.

Doris Eloise Miller was born to Ralph Emerald and Lila Edith Miller on April 24, 1923. She spent her childhood in Blackwell growing up next door to her parents’ gasoline station. She longed for a sibling and her sister, Sharon Kay, was born when Doris was sixteen years old, making her no longer an only child. Doris played the drums in the band and graduated from Blackwell High School in the class of 1941. Following graduation, she attended Oklahoma A & M before transferring to Business School in Wichita, Kansas. Upon completion, she worked for Continental Oil Company in Ponca City, Oklahoma, for five years. In December of 1947 she eloped on Christmas Eve with Robert Shepherd, much to her parents’ astonishment, given the wedding date had been set for the following week. They were married sixty-two years. To this union three children were born; Barbara, Mike and Scott.

First and foremost, Doris was a dedicated mother and homemaker. She and Bob established many rich traditions for their family. All of the children and grandchildren eagerly looked forward to every holiday, celebration, and annual summer trip to Gunnison, Colorado, where several wonderful memories were made. Their home was always filled with much love, laughter, and joy. Doris was an active member of the First Baptist Church the entirety of her life where she served as a faithful Sunday School teacher for sixty years. She enjoyed playing golf on Ladies’ Day every Friday at the Blackwell Country Club. She was also an accomplished Bridge player, delighting in two to three Bridge games a week with her beloved friends. She and Bob took great pleasure in dancing the Jitterbug to the Big Band music at local dances. Being a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, her favorite past time was visiting with her children and grandchildren one on one every opportunity she had; never resisting the moments to share her humorous and clever words of wisdom and advice that are forever embedded in our hearts. One never had to guess what she was thinking at any given time, as blunt honesty came very easily for her. She loved to laugh and truly enjoyed every moment of her life. She was abundantly blessed with many remarkable friends throughout her 97 years of active and independent living. Doris was an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by daughter, Barbara and Jon Ihrig; and two sons, Mike and Linda Shepherd, and Scott and June Shepherd of Blackwell. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jared and Brenda Ihrig of Leesburg, Virginia, Chad and Laura Ihrig of Austin, Texas, Drew and Jordan Ihrig of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Juliann Ihrig of Dallas, Texas, Jason Shepherd of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Brindan and Lori Shepherd, Kristen and Zack Zimmerman all of Blackwell, Justin and Carla Shepherd of Perkins, Oklahoma, Colton and Kortney Dell, Joey and Kandee Little, and Alex and Kelsey Little all of Owasso, Oklahoma. Great grandchildren include Megan Ihrig, Alex Ihrig, Ainsley Ihrig, Paige Ihrig, Jack Ihrig, Harrison Ihrig, Eloise Ihrig, Madison Shepherd, Max Shepherd, Kate Shepherd, Brett Shepherd, Matt Shepherd, Lauren Shepherd, Drew Shepherd, Tucker Shepherd, Landry Shepherd, Maze Dove, Brooks Dell, Ava Little, Abe Little, Andi Little and Miles Little; nieces, Robbie Reagan and husband John, Jana Jordan and husband Mark; and nephews, Dan Shepherd and Jeff Rogers; and her beloved caregivers, Mary Bonewell and Rebecca Wedel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Shepherd; her mother and father; two beloved sisters, Lila Jane, who died at birth, and Sherry Rogers; a nephew, Jim Rogers; and brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Pat Shepherd.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 21st in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Longcrier and Rev. Cody Biby officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be grandsons, Jared Ihrig, Chad Ihrig, Drew Ihrig, Jason Shepherd, Brindan Shepherd and Justin Shepherd. Serving as honorary casketbearers will be the Bridge ladies, Shari Cannon, Betty Roberts, Ann Vickery and Charlotte Ruggs.

A memorial has been established in her honor with the First Baptist Church in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.