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Dean Ritz Shepperd,
Carol Dean Ritz was born June 11, 1940, in Ashton, NE, to Clarence and Alma (Knoepfel) Ritz. She had two older brothers, Clarence and Richard, and a younger sister, Ellen. Carol attended elementary school and high school in Ashton, NE, graduating in 1958.
She attended Kearney State Teachers College where she met the love of her life, Larry, who was a member of the track and basketball teams. They met in Education 100 class and their first date was to see Gone with the Wind.
Carol and Larry were married on December 19, 1959, in St. Paul, NE. They then made their home at the Shepperd Ranch in Mills where she enjoyed working outside every day for the last 62 years - feeding animals, planting her garden and tending to her many beautiful flowers.
Carol originally taught school at District 3 in Mills which she enjoyed tremendously. Her love of children was evident when she was with her grandchildren and great-grand-children, as she always taught them to appreciate the wonders of life such as bird nests, caterpillars changing into butterflies and new plants coming up in the spring.
She was a devoted and loving mother to Jaci, Doug, Sara and Elizabeth. She taught her kids to love and care for all things, whether it be plants, animals and all of God’s living creatures. All of her kids were told many times, “If a job is worth doing, then do it well.” She and dad also instilled the values of honesty, hard work, and holding yourself to a higher standard.
Carol was known by many people for her love of others which was often shown through her excellent cooking. She always liked to have something prepared “just in case” visitors stopped by, including hungry kids or grandkids. She is especially remembered for her delicious baked goods and the best dill pickles.
She passed away and entered her heavenly home on March 6, 2022, with her family by her side. Larry and Carol were blessed to have celebrated 62 years of marriage in December.
Carol is survived by her husband, Larry of Mills; children, Jaci (Tom) Carlisle of Omaha, Doug (Kim) Shepperd of Mills; Sara (John) Frederick of Mills; and Elizabeth (Kory) Frank of Elk Point, SD; brother, Richard (Marge) Ritz of Ashton, NE; and sister Ellen (Richard) Erganian of Fresno, CA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Zac (Theresa) Carlisle of Omaha; Alex (Matt) Fadell of Omaha; Nick (Crystal) Frederick of Lincoln, NE; Anthony (Melissa) Frederick of Hickman, NE; Alicia (Dan) Roehrich of Iwakuni, Japan; Gentry Frederick of Bassett, NE; Douglas (Casey) Shepperd of Lawrence, KS; Brianna (Lane) Broz of Hayes Center, NE; Garrett (Whitney) Shepperd of Mills; Kade Frank and Gavin Frank of Elk Point, SD, as well as 22 great-grand-children and many loving nieces, nephew and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence, as well as her parents, Clarence and Alma Ritz.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church, Burton, NE, with Pastor Bill Serr officiating. A visitation was held Sunday night, March 13th with a prayer service at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD.
Music was provided by Steve Swanson, pianist. Congregational hymns were “Amazing Grace” and “Nearer My God to Thee.” Soloist Geoff Smith sang “How Great Thou Art.”
Kathy Wenger and Kathy Titus were in charge of registration. Sandra Heerten, Rachel Ferguson and Ann Marie Kepler were flower attendants.
Casket Bearers were Carol’s grandsons Douglas Shepperd, Zac Carlisle, Nick Frederick, Anthony Frederick, Gentry Frederick and great-nephew Logan Ritz.
Honorary Casket Bearers were Carol’s grandchildren, Garrett Shepperd, Alicia Roehrich, Brianna Broz, Alex Fadell, Kade Frank and Gavin Frank.
Interment was in the Olive Branch Cemetery, Mills, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial money will be directed to the Grace Lutheran Church Sunday School program.