Ruth Marie (Burton) Shepherd

Ruth M. Shepherd, age 86 of Clintonville, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at ThedaCare Medical Center, New London.

Ruth was born on October 13, 1938, daughter to the late Melvin & Margaret “Peg” (Bronold) Burton in New London WI. Ruth graduated from Bear Creek High School in 1957 and went on to study Nursing in Evanston, IL. After graduating with a degree in Infant care from the Cradle Society, Ruth began her career as an infant nurse in the private sector which lasted many years. Ruth met Richard Shepherd from Texas in Appleton, WI and they were married in 1983. They then returned to Texas where they owned and operated a restaurant/bar in Smith Point, TX called Shep's Shed. The shrimpers and Oyster fishermen always headed in at the end of a long day anticipating an ice cold beer and the wonderful homemade meal made by "Mama Ruth." After Richard's death, in 1985, Ruth returned to Appleton and was a cook at the Outagamie County Jail. After retiring, Ruth cared for her mother in Bear Creek. Ruth then moved to Clintonville and enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, reading, sewing, crafts, thrifting and spending a little time at the Casino. She was known for her love of children, her beautiful roses, her delicious peanut butter balls, and her kindness to everyone. Ruth loved her cats Bebe and Beau. Ruth lived in Clintonville until December of 2023 when she moved to St. Joseph Residence, New London, WI. 

Ruth is survived by her siblings, Harold (Bonnie) Burton, Roy (Marlene) Burton, and Kathy Happerstett; sisters-in-law, Vaughn Burton & Pat Burton; and many nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Shepherd; siblings, Norman "Jim" Burton, Russell Burton, Neil Burton, and her twin sister, Rita Young; brothers-in-law, Delton Young & Arnold "Bud" Happerstett; and sisters-in-law, Gretchen Burton & Ann Burton. 
 
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek. Inurnment will take place following the service in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 10 AM until the time of service.
 
Any condolences may be sent to The Ruth Shepherd Family, N10245 Lake Michael Road, Marion, WI 54950. 

You have left our lives but will never leave our hearts. 

Thank you to all the staff at St. Joseph Residence, ThedaCare Medical Center New London, and ThedaCare At Home Hospice for taking such good care of Ruthie. 

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Shepherd family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.