Karen Jean Shepard, 66, was born to Jean and Lloyd Crowell on November 25, 1942 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2009.
Karen spent her early years growing up in Detroit Lakes.
In 1960, she married Claude Kimes and gave birth to six beautiful children; but they separated. Shortly after, she met the love of her life, Jesse Shepard. On October 6, 1972, they were wed, and their families combined to a grand total of eleven children. Karen continued to love and raise all of her eleven children, even after Jesse’s tragic death on May 15, 1982.
Throughout her life, she remained to be the glue that held the family together with shared stories, laughter, and love. She spent her final years residing in Walsenburg, Colorado; but continued to travel from state to state visiting her children, her family, and her friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Shepard; her parents, Lloyd and Jean Crowell; her brothers, Darryl and Michael Crowell; her brother-in-law, Jim Jolly; and Claude Kimes.
Karen is survived in death by her brother Dave and Nadia Crowell of Payson, AZ; and her sister Kathy Jolly of Sierra Vista, AZ; her children: Peg and Rick Lentz of Cypress, TX; Shirley and Mel Cameron of Columbia Falls, MT; Bud Shepard of WA; Marshall and Diana of Liberty Lakes, WA; Shorty and Gail Shepard of Columbia Falls, MT; Monte and Carol Kimes of Chicago, IL; Natalie Kimes and Caesar of NM; Jesse and Amanda Shepard of Salem, OR; Mike and Dawn Kimes of Post Falls, ID; Nadine and Bob Robbins of Kingman, AZ; and Nikki and Bruce Eccher of Walsenburg, CO; and her grandchildren: Alex, Amber, Anita, Bobby, Brooke, Carrie (Zach), Casey (Amy), Charlie (Ashley), Cheryl (Shane), Chris, Heather (Jeremy), Jamie, Jason, Jenny, Josh, Justin, Karen, Karissa, Kenzie, Kim (Frank), Kristina, Lacie, Michael, Ricky, Ronnie (Justin), Sabrina, Tiff (Steve), Trevor, Tyler, Zane.
Karen is also survived by numerous beloved great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Karen’s life was celebrated by family and friends on January 17, 2009. She will be remembered dearly; we will hold her closely in our hearts while she goes to be with our Lord. Her final resting place will be with her loving husband, Jesse, in Kalispell, Montana on June 27, 2009.
