SHEPARD - GOMEZ, Josephine Eugenia (Josie)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, December 12, 2006 Josie Shepard Gomez Josephine (Josie) Eugenia Shepard left the earth in the early morning of Dec. 7, 2006, to become a resident of Heaven. A Prescott native, she was born March 20, 1923, to Juan and Juanita Ramirez de Moreno, in Prescott, Arizona. She was the youngest and the last living of 11 children. Josie attended Prescott High School and graduated in 1942 from Clarkdale High. In 1944, she married John Jacob Shepard, whom she had met in Los Angeles, Calif. Though they enjoyed only a two-week courtship, they cherished each other as husband and wife for 52 years, until she was widowed in September of 1996. By God's grace, she did not remain alone. She found love again, marrying Federico (Frederic) Duran Gomez, December 6, 2003. Together they enjoyed volunteering, socializing and travel. Frederic was a loving and devoted companion. Josie was well known and much loved in the community. She was involved in various churches and organizations including the PTA, Catholic Daughters of America, the Salvation Army Home League, and the Christian Women's Association. Her volunteerism included work with the Salvation Army and the Veteran's hospital. In her younger years, she provided a cozy asylum and true home to many children as a foster parent. In her later years, she often became a caregiver and friend to the elderly or infirm. was a caring and compassionate friend. To her family, she was a plaza around which all chose to gather. A marvelous cook, she was also a second mother to many, but none more than to the spouses of her children. She held each in high esteem, embracing them as her own sons and daughters. She is survived by her four children and their families: John and Mary Shepard and daughters: Theresa Leroux and her daughter Ember; Monica Shepard; Kimberly and Leo Buffa and children Carter, Nina Josephine and Ty; Shawna and Mark Hansen and daughter Maya; Sara Jo and Travis Nebeker and son Arden; Mike Shepard and wife, Sandy Moss, and his children John Jacob and Amanda; Sharon and Robert Holton and daughter Megan; Deborah and Hank Gentile, and sons Henry and John. Other survivors include former daughter-in-law, Debra Hoskins, and the family members of Josie's brothers, Juan and Asencion Moreno, and of her sister, Paz Maria Alvarado, as well as John's sister, Gloria Benn. Josie was vibrant and colorful until the end, and though the void of her absence can never be filled, we rest knowing she is with the Lord she so ardently served. A celebration of her life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 2006, at Word of Life Assembly of God, 2200 N. Highway 89. An hour-long viewing will precede the service with a reception afterwards. Josie will be laid to rest at the Odd Fellows Cemetery. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Josie's name to the Salvation Army as a continuation of her desire to help and serve people. Information provided by survivors.