H. Eloise Shepard

H. Eloise Shepard, 88, of Battle Creek died Thursday, May 31, 2007, at Battle Creek Health System. She was born July 24, 1918, in Banfield, MI to Fred J. and Lola B. (Winters) Frey.

Eloise grew up in the Bedford area, went to the old Culver School and was a 1937 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. From 1958 to 1971, she was employed part-time for Sears & Roebuck, mostly in the Women's Apparel department. In addition to raising her family, she was also a partner with her husband, on their farm. Eloise was married at the home of her parents on May 7, 1937, to Gerald A. Shepard.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, on January 31, 2004; by a son DuWayne G. Shepard on May 17, 1979; by a brother, Leo F. Frey and a sister, Joyce E. Myers. Surviving are a son, Allan R. (Dolly) Shepard of Battle Creek, ten grandchildren, Scot (Angela) Shepard, Christine (Michael) LaBombard, Gregory (Rita) Shepard, Jill Shepard, Laura (David) Ford, Wendy (James) Ford, David (Jody) Liggett, Douglas Liggett, Kevin Liggett and Julie Liggett; 16 great-grandchildren and by a brother, Robert K. Frey of Dowling. Eloise was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Bedford Order of the Eastern Star #471 for over 65 years, a life member and past matron of Belles Extension Club, a member of the former Calhoun County Extension Homemakers Club, member of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau Assoc. and was a former 4-H leader and council member. She enjoyed square dancing, knitting, making silk flowers, working in her garden and spending special times with her family. At the request of the family, friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where they will be received 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2007, with Pastor Bruce Kintigh officiating. Interment will follow at Banfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bedford Order of the Eastern Star #471 or to a charity of one's choice.