Loretta E. Shepherd

Loretta E. Shepherd, aged 83, passed away in St. Petersburg, Florida, peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Born on October 7, 1941, in the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky, Loretta was the cherished daughter of Garnet and Lena (Murphy) Willbanks. She is preceded in death by her beloved first husband, John P. Rosenbarger, Jr., her second husband, Ray Sherrard, and her third husband, Elton Shepherd. Loretta's spirit now joins those of her dearly departed grandsons, Terry D. Rosenbarger and Joey Willis; great-grandchildren, Brynn Rosebarger, Johnny Rosebarger, V; and Logan Rosenbarger and her sons-in-law, David Jaggers and Tony Willis. Additionally, she rejoins her beloved siblings, Freda Hardin, Linda Willbanks, Doris Willbanks, and Harvey Willbanks.

Her legacy endures through a loving family that remains, including her children: John P. (Sissy) Rosenbarger, III, LaTina (Richard) Denk, Tammy Jaggers, Debbie Willis, Robin (Marty) Finerty, and Tony Sherrard. Loretta was a proud grandmother to John P. Rosenbarger, IV; Eric L. Rosenbarger; Derrick B. (Bekah) Rosenbarger; Robert (Kelly) Sherrard; Michael (Angela Julin) Sherrard; Jamie (Heather) Sherrard; Shawn (Lindsey) Denk; Bryan (Stephanie Sizemore) Denk; David (Christina French) Jaggers; Danielle (Andre Moran) Jaggers; Anthony (Nicole) Willis; Corey Willis; Jessica (Jacobi) Elfalan; Marty Finerty, Jr.; and Ashlyn Sherrard. She was a loving great-grandmother to an extensive lineage, including Jaiden, Slade, Gunnar, Serenity, Tristan, Destiny, Brittany, Jacee, Javen, Reagan, Rakia, David, Jackson, Ava, Dominic, Raevn, Keean, Aspen, Brennan, Camden, Madison, Ayden, Adriana, Andreya, Kingston, Kaydence, Kennedy, Kaliana, Matthew, Brighton, McKenna, Jamie, Jade, Hailey, Joseph, Jr., Lyla, Lilyana, Lyam, Jaylex, Jacobi, Jr., as well as her great-great grandchildren, Artist and Bryah.

Loretta was the definition of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her heart flourished in the presence of family, relishing moments spent camping, fishing, and hosting joyful gatherings during the holidays. A diligent worker, she began her impressive career at Fleetwood Cadillac in Detroit, Michigan, from 1967 to 1972, ultimately retiring as a phlebotomist at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville in 2000. Renowned for her quick wit and unmatched sense of humor, she touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her, embodying the adage that to know her was indeed to love her.

Visitation to honor Loretta's life will be held from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Monday, July 7th, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Southwest Louisville Chapel, located at 10304 Dixie Hwy. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by her interment at Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Indiana.

To share your cherished memories of Loretta or to leave a heartfelt message for her family, kindly visit the guestbook below.