Elizabeth Marie (Lash) Shepherd

Elizabeth Marie (Lash) Shepherd, age 99, passed away on September 2, 2025, at her home in Huntsville, Alabama. Born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in 1926 to O.E. and Esther Lash, Elizabeth grew up on a farm near Shelby, Ohio, where she developed a lifelong love of animals and tractors. She was rarely without a dog or cat or horse throughout her life, and she continued to mow her lawn on a tractor until she was 95 years old.

After studying music at Heidelberg University for two years, Elizabeth married Cortes C. Shepherd and had two children, Mike and Patty, before the family moved south and settled in Huntsville. She became active at St. Mark's Lutheran, singing in the choir and participating in Altar Guild. Despite taking care of her family and home, she enthusiastically pursued her many interests, including art (both drawing and painting), sewing, photography, flying lessons, and horses. Her happiest times were at the barn, and she ultimately managed a boarding stable north of Huntsville. There she combined her passion for animals and her love for tractors by mowing and bush-hogging pastures. 

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother and sister. Both of her children survive her, Mike (Judy) Shepherd and Patty Derrick, along with granddaughters Rhonda (Derek) Loggins and Lindsey (Joey) Henson and four talented great granddaughters. 

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on September 26, 2025, at 11:00am. For an hour prior to the service, the family will greet friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassus Hospice in Huntsville.

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