Wilma Shepherd

Wilma Lou (Jull) Shepherd was born on February 13, 1933 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Hugh Ebenezer Jull and Helen Daisy (Whitaker) Jull. After moving around as a child, her family would finally settle in Mill City, Oregon in 1950 when her father was called to serve as minister of the Mill City Christian Church. She would go on to graduate from Mill City High School in 1951 followed by a year of study at Northwest Christian College in Eugene. A few years after graduating from high school on August 28, 1954 Wilma would marry William “Bill” Floyd Shepherd Jr. of Mill City who she met through their church youth group. While her husband worked in the lumber industry, Wilma would spend her time volunteering for the many organizations she was involved with and raising their three children; Leroy, Jerry and Bonnie. She was a women of deep faith in Jesus Christ expressed through her commitment to her church family and service to the community. At the Mill City Christian Church, she served as the treasurer for many years, played the piano, led worship, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, served as a deaconess and prepared bulletins for weekly services. If there was anything needed doing at the church, she likely did it. She was a gracious hostess, opening her home (think Sunday dinner) for visiting pastors and missionaries. Recently she enjoyed participating in conferences held at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp. As a member of the Woman’s Club she served as president and treasurer. She often traveled to conferences throughout the state and, this year, to St. Louis, to attend the national meeting. She also served as treasurer and volunteered to man the welcome desk with the North Santiam Historical Society. Finally she volunteered at Mill City Library shelving books and assisting patrons with finding books and checking out, as well as, serving senior meals at Mill City Presbyterian Church. On February 18, 2019 Wilma went home to be with the Lord in Stayton, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years William; parents, Helen and Hugh; brothers William and Ralph; and her grandson Mark. She is survived by her children, Leroy, Jerry and Bonnie; Grandchildren Matthew (Renee) Shepherd, Michael (Dayann) Shepherd, Jesse Shepherd, Amanda (Jonathan) Becker, and Nathan Bahls. A Memorial Service will be held at Mill City Christian Church on Saturday March 16 at 10:00 AM followed by a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Gates, Oregon. There will be a time for reception and fellowship following the graveside service. Memorial contributions can be made to Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp (5195 Winema Rd. Cloverdale, OR 97112) or Mill City Christian Church Building Fund (PO Box 78, Mill City, OR 97360). Please leave condolences at Weddle-Funeral.com