Linda Dean Sheppard

Linda Dean Sheppard, age 67, Joplin, Mo., passed away at 6:25 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015 at her home after a brave and valiant battle with cancer for over two years.

Linda was born Aug. 12, 1948 in Kansas City, Mo., to Juanita Reed Povenmire and the late John Povenmire and had lived in Joplin since 2001.

She was a dedicated Christian and loyal mother of four children. She was a past member of the Joplin Women's Club and belonged to several bridge clubs in Joplin.

Linda enjoyed arts and crafts, making baskets, Afghans and flower arrangements. But most important, Linda was a faithful follower of Christ and His Holy Scriptures.

She married Ted Sheppard on Feb. 4, 1967 in Fort Scott, Kan. He survives.

Additional survivors include two daughters, Melissa Moseley, Joplin, Melinda Cruz, Baxter Springs, Kan.; her mother, Juanita Povenmire, Fort Scott, Kan.; and two brothers, Allen Povenmire and his wife, Teri, Kansas City, Kan., and Danny Povenmire, Las Vegas, Nev. Linda was grandmother to Shelby and Cruiz Wade of Oxford, Ala.

In addition to her father, Linda was preceded in death by two sons, Matthew and Paul and one brother, Larry Povenmire. Linda was the daughter-in-law of the late Rev. Don Sheppard and his wife, Helen. Rev. Sheppard was the former associate pastor of First United Methodist Church and chaplain at Freeman Hospital, Joplin.

Services are planned for Saturday at 10 a.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Russell Ball will officiate. Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery, Stella. Pallbearers will be Matthew Sheppard, Joey Cassatt, David West, Carl Oberg and Tommy Pogue. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Souls Harbor or to Watered Gardens, both in care of Parker Mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.