FUNERAL MASS will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose, Missouri on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

OFFICIATING at the mass will be Father Tom Hermes.

ROSARY/VISITATION will be at the church on Friday, December 23, 2016 with the Rosary being said from 10:00 to 10:20 a.m. followed by Visitation between 10:20 and 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT will be in the Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri .

The family suggests any MEMORIAL donations be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Anita Elisbeth (Paulin) Shepard, daughter of Leo and Velma (Frizzell) Paulin, was born June 7, 1931 in Tell City, Indiana. Anita was called home by the Good Lord on December 19, 2016 when she passed peacefully at her home in Appleton City where she had been a resident since 1963.

Anita was married in 1947 to Robert L. Nix and from this union she had two children, Glen L. Nix and Wanda L. Nix. Anita's then entered into a second marriage with James N. Shepard in 1956, who she remained married to until Jim's death in 2000. They had one son, James N. Shepard, Jr.

Anita attended nursing school becoming a licensed practical nurse in 1971, working at Bates County Hospital in Butler, Missouri. Anita furthered her education to become a Registered Nurse in 1976 and was employed at Sac-Osage Hospital in Osceola, Missouri until her retirement in 1996. Anita was a dedicated registered nurse and highly respected in her profession. Anita was also a 31 year breast cancer survivor. She took great pride in decorating her house that she loved in with seasonal and holiday decorations. Anita also had a large collection of collector's plates and dinnerware. Along with her appreciation for antiques she was a talented oil painter. She also enjoyed working outside in her yard and growing flowers. She took great pride in doing her own yard work, having to give it up the last two years of her life. She was given Yard of the Month award two years in a row, 2006 and 2007. Anita's home was on the Christmas homes tour which she was very honored to be a part of in 2006. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Montrose, Missouri, which was an important part of her life, attending church until she was no longer able.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Velma (Frizzell) Paulin; husband James N. Shepard; brother Charles Paulin sister Margie Shackelford; grandson Steve Nix.

Anita is survived by her sister Pat Rearden (Carl Ray); children: Glen Nix (Janet), Wanda Hillerman (Don), James N. Shepard, Jr.; grandchildren: Donnie Hillerman (Kelli), Mindy Arnold (Steve), Angie Doss (Dave) and Stephanie Heimann (Dale); great-grandchildren: Joshua Watson, Audrey Arnold, Alex Arnold, Levi Heiman, Arianna Nix, Hadley Heimann, Mitch Alley and Mason Alley.