Lena Baird Shepherd, 90, of Veedersburg passed away at 5:55 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Franciscan Health Hospital, Crawfordsville. She had been in failing health the past several months.
Lena was born Sept. 20, 1932, at Indianola, Illinois, the daughter of the late Verne and Delora Prunkard Baird. She married Willis Shepherd on Feb. 24, 1950, at Redmon, Illinois. He preceded her in death Dec. 14, 1984. They farmed, raised hogs and chickens in Parke County until his death. Lena moved from the farm to Veedersburg in 1987.
Lena was a graduate of Indianola High School and had formerly owned and operated Lena’s Cafe in Mellott, where she was famous for her fried chicken and biscuits and gravy, retiring in 1997. She also worked as a caregiver for many years after retirement until November 2022.
Lena was a hard worker … she enjoyed cooking, baking, (she was well known for her pies and noodles), flowers and gardening. In the late 70’s and 80’s she played on a woman’s softball team in Kingman. She was a member of the Sterling Christian Church since the 90’s where she was active with the Kit Club.
Lena is survived by daughter-in-law Jackie Shepherd of Wingate; grandchildren, Angie (Chadd) Cheshier of Whitestown and Michael (Jennifer) Shepherd of Wingate; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Shepherd and twins Katelyn and Mitchell Shepherd of Wingate; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Willis; son Mark “Shep” Shepherd: two sisters, Omalee and Chloe; and two brothers, Byron and Glen.
Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, with funeral services following at 1 p.m.,at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Pastor Gary Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow in Rush Creek Cemetery near Tangier.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Sterling Christian Church.
Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a condolence.
