Lucille “Lucy” A. Sheppard, 83, of Coldwater, passed away peacefully Friday, May 22, 2026 at Drews Place of Coldwater.
A service will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor Bob Ward officiating.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Lucy was born August 5, 1942 and was lovingly raised by William “Bill” and Betty Coats. She graduated from Union City High School with the Class of 1960. April 6, 1963, she married the love of her life, Donald “Don” Sheppard. He preceded her in death August 12, 2012.
Lucy dedicated 35 years of service as a paraprofessional with the Branch Intermediate School District before retiring in 2004. She touched the lives of countless students and coworkers through her kindness, patience, and caring spirit.
Lucy enjoyed an active and social life filled with the people and activities she loved most. She attended First Baptist Church of Coldwater and was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi International. She and Don shared a special love for music and dancing, even taking dance lessons early in their marriage and becoming wonderful dancers together.
Lucy also enjoyed golfing with Don as members of the Coldwater Country Club, where she was active in the Ladies Golf Association, bowling in a teacher’s league, playing bingo, and serving as co-chair for the Coldwater Athletic Booster Bingo. One of Lucy’s favorite traditions was spending time with her monthly “Lunch Bunch” group, where laughter and friendship were always shared.
Above all else, Lucy dearly loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, support them, and do special things for and with them.
Lucy is survived by her children, Kevin (Michelle) Sheppard of Coldwater and Donna (Ken Clayman) Galliers of Coldwater; her siblings, Deborah Coats Versau, William Coats, Jr., and Bob (Mandy Hubbard) Coats; her grandchildren, Ben (Kadence Strang) Galliers, Nicklaus Galliers, Clarissa (Oliver) Winter, and Kyle Sheppard; her great-grandson, Malcolm Galliers; and her nieces and nephews, Toni Sheppard, Amanda Redebaugh, Christopher (Elizabeth) Fisher, Corey (Cheryl) Fisher, William (Jennifer) Coats, Brent Coats, and Sarah (Ryan) Lawrence.
In addition to her husband, Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Betty (Hedrick) Coats; her sister, Klaudia Fisher; and special friend, Darlyn Rohloff.
Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church or the Union City Tornado Relief Fund (checks payable to Branch County United Way).
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