Carolene Shepherd

In Loving Memory of Carolene Shepherd June 21, 1941 - September 6, 2025 (84)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carolene, our beloved Wife, Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma. A homemaker and creative soul, who left this world on September 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born June 21, 1941, Carolene grew up with deep appreciation for family, tradition, and the beauty of handmade things. Mom loved to camp and hike and spend time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had a passion for puzzles and video games. Our mom was a woman whose intelligence, warmth, and quiet strength shaped the lives of everyone around her.

Carolene married the love of her life, Jerry Earl Shepherd on February 16, 1960, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of her legendary cooking. They had 65 memorable, loving, unforgettable years together and rarely spent time apart from each other.

Her talent for sewing and quilting was shared with all family members. She spent hours stitching memories into fabric, leaving behind heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. She loved to prepare her unforgettable spaghetti and meatballs-a dish so beloved that family would request it often.

Carolene was also fondly known by many as Cookie, shortened to Cook. She had a deep love and appreciation for nature and loved the rain, thunder/lightning, rainbows, mountains, rivers, lakes, clouds, and the night sky. She taught our family to find comfort and solace in these things. Finding fun shapes in the clouds was a favorite pass time.

Mom's love extended beyond people-she had a special place in her heart for their many fur babies and found comfort and companionship in their presence. They were part of her family, and she cared for them with the same tenderness she gave to everyone she loved.

Over the years, Carolene and Jerry were foster parents for 40 plus foster children and then provided home care for her elderly Mom for many years.

Carolene is survived by her loving husband: Jerry Earl Shepherd, her children: Kathy Lynn Porter (Chuck), Pamela Kaye Booth (Glenn), Jerry Earl Shepherd Jr. (Karen), her 14 Grandchildren, and 21 Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her children: Julie Ann Overby (Scott), and Carolene Florence Shepherd, whom she held close in her heart every day.

A celebration of life will be held for close family and friends.