We lost "a good-hearted woman," as Willie would sing. On March 6, NaiDean Shepherd joined her angels. She was born Oct. 2, 1928, in Lewiston, to Agnes (Kenyon) and Dick Parsley. Her love of the river and hills was inborn, as the Kenyon and Parsley families were homesteaders in the greater Grande Ronde area. NaiDean graduated from Anatone High School, fifth in her class, she liked to brag. Yes, there is a family joke there. After graduation from high school, she worked as a switchboard operator. Later, she was a real estate agent, tour bus guide and chocolate dipper. She liked new adventures. For her 50th birthday, she rode in a hot air balloon, and parachuted from a plane on her 60th.
In 1947, she married John S. "Jack" Shepherd Jr. Motherhood was her greatest occupation. She and Jack had five children, and she was "second mom" to nieces and nephews and anyone else who needed her. It was a busy life of dance lessons, sports, school activities, rodeos and river boating. She thrived on it all and still had time to be nationally recognized in the Toastmistress organization. After her kids were grown, she volunteered at hospitals and crocheted hundreds of hats for newborns. NaiDean's role of caregiver was extended when Jack had a stroke in 1992. She was devoted to him and cared for him at home for many years. They were married 62 years before his death.
NaiDean loved babies, angels, hats and playing cards. She especially liked Willie Nelson, even being invited to one of his Thanksgiving dinners in Las Vegas. She valued friends and family above all. She was known as "Mucca" to many after being lovingly named that by her grandchildren. The Shepherd home was often filled with holiday celebrations, parties and laughter. She and Jack enjoyed "just havin' fun." She was always camp leader and had the whistle to prove it.
NaiDean is survived by her children and their spouses, Kris (Don) Howell, Dean Scott "Sox" Shepherd, Shelley Shepherd (aka Bala) and Randy (Angie Aguilar) Shepherd; and her grandchildren, Donelle Howell, Courtney (Luke) Crawford, Tara (Jeremy) Eubanks, Chila Shepherd and Robert (Sarah) Shepherd. Her beloved great-grandchildren Madison, Zachary and Carson Eubanks, Hank Crawford and Claire Shepherd all have special memories of their Mucca. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Donna Parsley; daughter-in-law JoAnn Naiche; and many nieces and nephews, all much loved.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents; her brothers, Jack and Dale Parsley; and her son, John S. "Rip" Shepherd III.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date. She requested that we share love, laughter, stories and acts of kindness in her memory.
