Lois Hadlock Shepherd

Our family lost a precious and beautiful earthly spirit this day, but heaven is rejoicing the return of this angel of light.  Lois H. Shepherd passed away on May 30, 2023, incident to age.   Throughout her 99 years she remained vigorously engaged in the pursuit of love, inspiration, generosity, the Gospel of Christ, and fiercely independent. To the end she walked with the grace and dignity of a ballerina. 

She was born April 21, 1924 on her grandparents ranch, in Malad, Idaho.  She was the fourth child to James C. and Dorothy Servoss Hadlock.  Eventually, the family migrated to the Salt Lake City area. She graduated from West High School in 1942, where she met her future husband, Richard H. Shepherd (Dick). Lois is the last grand matron of her generation – the Hadlocks and the Shepherds who participated, experienced and suffered lives lost and other hardships of World War II and the great depression. 

From the U. S. Naval Base in Arcata, California, Dick, sought Lois’ hand in marriage.  Approved over the telephone by mother Dorothy, Lois and Richard H. Shepherd were married on June 22, 1945 by a local minister in Arcata, CA. The wedding was attended by church friends and most of the raucous navy men on the base. The marriage was later solemnized in Salt Lake Temple. Together they were blessed with two children Steven R. and Diane D. Lois’ husband Dick passed away in 2007. She is survived by two children, Steven R (Dena) and Diane (Todd).  6 Grandchildren; Jessica [Lichen] Shepherd, Joshua (Nicky) Shepherd, Tristan (Terri) Shepherd, Ashley (Ethan) Bluth, Lacey (Justin) Healy, and Cody Grambow.   14 great-grandchildren, many nephews, nieces and a multitude of friends. Her time in Foxboro, MA gained her additional proxy sons and daughters. Most notably Scott Andrews, Grant Colley, Debbie (Black) Hansen, and Donna (Black) Minch. 

Lois attended the University of Utah and the College of Southern Utah (now SUSU).  For many years she was employed as a personal assistant for the leadership staff at the University of Utah from which she retired in 1989.

Lois was proud of her Pioneer Heritage – many of the Hadlock’s Servoss’ made the Mormon trek from Illinois to Utah.  She and Dick served three LDS missions, most notably to the Montana Northern Cheyenne where they were loved and specifically acknowledged by the Tribe’s hierarchy.  She had many hobbies including genealogy, reading scriptures, scrapbooking, researching and writing books on family history, traveling both foreign and domestic, and working out on her treadmill.  And a great and lasting fan of Elvis Presley!

 We will miss her unconditional love, her charm, her sense of humor, her generous and kind spirit, and the fun/sparkling Shepherd parties!  

Goodbye Sweet Lois, you have lived a remarkable life, heralded by all who know you.  Accept your spiritual reward for you have humbly earned it in your zest and unfailing commitment to life and humanity.

The family wishes to give special acknowledgement to the caring individuals who made her final days so happy and comfortable:  Betty Heskett (close friend), Joshua Shepherd (Grandson), Cody Grambow (Grandson), Scott Andrews (Proxy Son), Maureen Gardner (neighbor), Tom Nicolaysen, (neighbor), West Jordan River 4^th Ward, Suncrest Hospice Care.