Leah Rue Leen Sheppard

On January 14, 2017 after a hard fought battle with cancer, Leah RueLeen Jensen Sheppard, 90, returned to her heavenly home to be reunited with her dear sweetheart Fred and family loved ones. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by many loved ones at her home in Salina, Utah.

RueLeen was born May 18, 1926 in Redmond, Utah. She is the oldest of four children born to Orval Charles and Ethel Jolley Jensen. She grew up in Redmond where she attended elementary school and graduated from North Sevier High School. RueLeen had many dear friends that she made in high school and maintained those friendships throughout her life. Growing up RueLeen delighted in watching over her younger siblings which she continued to do until her death.

On June 27, 1946 RueLeen married Fred Wilmar Sheppard in the Manti Temple. Fred was and continues to be the love of her life. They are the parents of three children; Kerri Lynn (Bill Lee) Shaw, St. George, Utah; Brad Jensen (Debra Kay) Sheppard, Sandy, Utah; and Shannon (Ferald Austin) Mason, Aurora, Utah.

RueLeen traveled and stayed with Fred as he worked on construction where she made many of her lifelong friends. She leaves a current legacy of 20 grandchildren and 52 great grandchildren and counting. RueLeen and Fred lived in Venice, and Aurora, Utah but raised their family in Salina, Utah .

RueLeen lived a life of love and service. She loved everyone especially her family members. She possessed the unique characteristic of making each person feel they were special. RueLeen possessed a positive attitude and was continually lifting the hearts and lives of others. Her love of people was connected with her love to serve. She loved serving the Lord, her fellow men and her family.

During her life she served in many capacities within her faith. She served as stake and ward Primary president, ward Relief Society president and for many years as the ward compassionate service leader. She served as a missionary at the Cove Fort Mission and most recently served 16 years as an ordinance worker at the Manti Temple. In addition to these callings, her most sacred calling is that of mother.

In additon to her children and grandchildren, RueLeen is also survived by her siblings: Gwenyth Crane, Farrell Orval (Valleen) Jensen and Sheree (Sheron) Harward. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents, Orval and Ethel; a great-granddaughter, Shelbi Kay Elwell; brother-in-law, John Burton Crane; nieces and nephews: Suzanne, Julee, and Blake Jensen and Kurt Crane.

Funeral services will be held Saturday January 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Salina Stake Center, 98 West 400 North, Salina, Utah, where friends may call on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 or on Saturday morning from 9:00 – 10:30 prior to the service. Burial will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Funeral Directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti. Online guest book www.maglebymortuary.com