LoDema "Lyn" Shepherd

LoDema Mae Wallace Shepherd, also known as "Lyn," "mom" or "Grandma Shepherd" was born on August 16, 1932 in Murray, Utah to her proud parents, Adelia Clara, and Robert Bruce Wallace, and with the brightest, bluest eyes and a fire for living.

Throughout her life, she had loving, close relationships with her two brothers; Michael Lynn Wallace, and Robert Wallace (deceased), (Mike and Bob).

Lyn grew up in Murray Utah and met her husband Kenneth Shepherd (deceased) in high school. They fell in love quickly and proceeded to have six children together, William Robert Shepherd, Sherie Mark, Debbie Buck, Patty Shepherd, Joe Shepherd and Greg Shepherd (deceased).

From then on, Lyn's home was always full of family-14 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren to be exact and often times a friend or two. She welcomed her home and heart to all.

The inexhaustible love and pride she had for her family, friends and those close to her was fierce, loyal, a force to reckon with. If you were loved by Lyn, you were lucky.

Anytime Lyn was asked what she loved the most about her long life, what she was most proud of, her answer was easy; her family. She always claimed they kept her young and happy.

It must be noted that Lyn could pass as an Old-Hollywood movie star. There was rarely a day in her life that she didn't dress the part. She was a great beauty. She took pride in always looking her best. Always dressed in bright colors, always polished. It was something we all loved and appreciated about her.

Lyn was also endowed with a personality that was larger than life. She was animated and funny and loved to talk and tell stories. She always held a captivated audience. She was made for the theatre!

She never apologized for being exactly who she was. She was sure of herself and believed in her family and friends in a way that is rare and inspiring.

She was valorous, courageous, undaunted, and valiant-always facing a life challenge head-on.

She would often boast about each and every one of her many grandchildren to anyone who was willing to listen-including each other. Often one grandchild would hear about another in this way.

She made sure each and every one of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren felt, loved, special, adored, and cherished.

Amazingly, she never forgot a single child, or grandchild's birthday and would often call each one on their special day.

If you knew Lyn, you understood her dazzling wit and intelligence. Although her body stopped cooperating with her many years ago, her mind remained sharp as a tack through the end of her life.

She loved life and was always content, and grateful for what life offered her. Her greatest joy was to be in her home surrounded by her family.

Her favorite season, by far, was summer when everything was in bloom.

She made the best macaroni pasta salad in town.

Her grandkids will always remember her sandwiches with butter-whether it was ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly-the special ingredient was always butter.

She loved music, with a particular passion for Frank Sinatra. She also loved Elvis and The Beatles.

She loved to watch "programs" on the TV. Particularly John Wayne movies.

Lyn leaves behind, perhaps, the world's largest and most eclectic salt and pepper shaker collection. She delighted in collecting them and if she could have taken them with her to the next life, she would have!

She handled life with amazing grace and dignity and a forgiving and open heart. She was an inspiration and example to all her knew her in these ways.

On the afternoon of January 27, 2026, Lyn took her last breath surrounded by her beloved family. She would be happy with the sun and warmth of the day, never a fan of cold and ice.

We lost a legend. The end of an era that only she could hold in place.

All who survive her, live on in her honor. Facing life with her courage in our hearts, loving our families fiercely, the way she loved hers, always with pride, dignity and grace.

We love you , Mom, Grandma, Lyn.

May you rest in peace.

We'd also like to thank all the help at Suncrest for all their compassion and loving care. A special thanks to Heidi and Tini for their tender loving care.

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary (4760 South State Street, Murray, UT). Another viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe the folllowing day, Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 10:00am - 10:45am with graveside services to follow at 11:00am at Murray City Cemetery (5490 South Vine Street, Murray, UT).