In Loving Memory of Gayle Shepard: 1933-2022

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Gayle Erlene Shepard, 89, passed away with family members by her side on Nov. 12, 2022, at her residence in Centralia. Gayle Erlene Emory Shepard was born on Feb. 8, 1933, in Pendleton, Oregon to Dale and Kathryn Emory.  

Gayle's family moved to Seattle in 1941 where she graduated from high school in 1950 and where she met the love of her life, Art Shepard. They were married Nov. 30, 1950. Together they raised three children.They spent their early years in the Auburn and Lake Tapps area, where they built a beautiful log home. Eventually they ended up settling in Lewis County, including Packwood and then the Boistfort Valley, where they built another log home on a 50-acre farm.  

Gayle enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, baking, sewing and spending time with her kids and grandkids.  

After Art passed away, Gayle moved to Mossyrock where she joined the Mossyrock Garden Club. Every year, Gayle enjoyed helping with the annual Look-a-Rama event. She was also a member of the Mossyrock Quilters. She helped make several quilts for cancer patients.

Gayle absolutely loved flowers. Everywhere she lived, you could be sure that her yard was filled with colorful flowers and plants. Gayle loved her family more than anything, spending much of her time with her kids and grandkids. She would do anything for her family or for anyone else. She loved to help people. She was always seen with a smile on her face. She was full of hope and love.  

She is survived by daughter Denise Lockwood, of Gig Harbor, and two sons, Ron (Debbie Graves) Shepard, of Vader, and Ken (Nancy) Shepard, of Randle. She had eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.  A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 26, 2022, at Evergreen Cemetery in Packwood. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m. in Glenoma, at the Glenoma Fire Hall, 8022 U.S. Highway 12.