Obituary of Nancy Shepard

Nancy Shepard 81, of Tucson, passed from this earth on March 18, 2014 in Tucson, AZ. Nancy JoAlice Hutchinson was born to Oscar and Alice Hutchinson on May 17, 1932 in Glendale, CA. She attended grade school in West Hollywood, CA. In eighth grade the family moved to Culver City, CA where she graduated from Hamilton High School in 1950. She then attended UCLA and received a degree in Business in 1954. On April 3, 1954 she was married to the love of her life Joseph Shepard, in Los Angeles, CA. Joe was deployed to Okinawa where Joe and Nancy lived until he ended his active duty in 1956. Upon their return to the states, they lived in Las Vegas, NV and Reno, NV while Joe finished college. During this time Nancy worked at a bank to help pay for Joe's college. Upon Joe's graduation they moved to southern California. In Southern California, while raising a family of four kids, Nancy worked in finance and cost accounting at various places. Most notably, Nancy worked at North American Aviation, Autonetics Division where she worked on the Saturn V rocket. She also worked at Fender (CBS Musical Instruments) and Cal Compack Foods. In 1994, Nancy and Joe both retired and moved from Southern California to Las Cruces, NM. During retirement Nancy and Joe loved to travel. They enjoyed cruises to such places as Alaska, Australia, Hawaii, and Europe. They also enjoyed traveling around the states in their motor home. They made many trips visiting family and researching their family history. In 2008 (after the passing of her husband), Nancy moved to Tucson, AZ. Nancy was an active member of her church, Christ Lutheran Vail. In 2012 she completed her training and became a Stephen's Minister. Even though widowed, she still enjoyed traveling and often would set off to California on her own to visit friends and family. Nancy was a true patriot and loved God and country. She also loved her family very much. She was so proud of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved her God and Savior with all her heart. She never stopped growing in her faith, attending Women's Bible Studies and small group studies. She was wise beyond her years and she was always willing to share her faith with others. Nancy is survived by her three sons, Bill Shepard and wife, Diana of Fontana, CA, Mike Shepard and wife, Becky of Chino, CA, Steve Shepard and wife, Loretta of Corona, CA; one daughter, Alicia McKean and husband, Jim of Tucson, AZ; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and by two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Jean Tibbetts and husband, Chuck of West Hills, CA. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Lutheran Vail in Vail, AZ on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Cremation is being handled by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL. Online condolences may be left at: www.bringfuneralhome.com.