Donna passed away January 22nd, 2021 surrounded by family. She was born on August 15th, 1943 in Payson, Utah. Donna grew up on a farm where Burraston Ponds are located, between Mona and Nephi, and graduated from Juab High School. She was born the youngest of four children to Cleon Harrison Kenner and Alvira Harriet Larkin.
Donna married Briant Joe Shepherd on June 3rd, 1961 in Nephi, Utah and was later sealed in the Manti Temple on June 6th, 1963.
During her life, Donna worked for and retired from Jordan School District. She also started a drapery business with her husband Joe, called
Shepherd’s Custom Drapery, where they made custom window coverings for homes and businesses.
Growing up on a farm, Donna developed a bond with animals. She had a real love for both horses and dogs and always seemed to have them around her. She also had a real passion for the outdoors. She enjoyed fishing and would spend summer months in the mountains cutting and gathering wood, which in turn would be used to heat her home during the winter. Donna also had a love for family and was supportive of any family event or activity.
Donna was a very independent and driven person. She believed that anything was possible, and when she set her mind on something it was going to get done. Donna was also a person that was very happy, and her happiness was infectious. Even in hard and difficult times, she would be the person that would bring a smile or make light of the situation.
Donna is survived in life by her children; Daughters: Annette (Brad) Johnson and Teresa Shepherd, Son: Laine Shepherd. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sisters: Elaine Powell and Rowena Pew, and half-brother Eugene.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Friday, January 29, 2021 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy, Utah. Due to social restrictions, there will be a brief celebration of life ceremony with immediate family just prior to a graveside service.
The Shepherd family would like to express appreciation to the caregivers who work at Fairfield Village of Layton, who gave Donna such great care during her stay there. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made for the caregivers of Fairfield Village. Donations can be made to any of the immediate family members, which will be forwarded to the workers at Fairfield Village.
Thank you for all your love and support during this difficult time.
We were sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Sounds like she has not been doing very well. We thought so much of your mother and dad. They were always so kind and helpful to us as we came to know them. I remember when our house flooded the first time from the ground water it was your dad who called and said that we had better check the basement as they were getting a little water in their basement. We had no idea that it was a problem. Sure enough, we were getting lots of water and then they both came over and helped get things out of the crawl space and clean up the water. That is the kind of neighbors that they were. In that and so many other ways we could always count on them to be a support. You are blessed of goodly parents. We sort of lost touch but I ran into your dad a couple of times at Costco and we had good visits allowing me to catch up. We thought that it would probably be best for us not to attend the graveside due to our age and all but wanted you to know that we will be thinking of you and hoping that all goes well. We remember you in our prayers and know that they are both happy to be together and in a better place.
Our love,
Richard and Laurel Allred
Dear Annette, Teresa, and Laine:
I just learned of your Mother's passing yesterday, while speaking with Laine and have spent many hours thinking of a great lady you all knew as "Mom."
I met your parents nearly 40 years ago, when my office was on Center Street, just across from Albertsons. They were already insured by Farmers, but with another agent that spent more time fishing than keeping his office open. Your parents had a difficulty they couldn't get fixed so they stopped by and asked if I could assist.
It was during that conversation I learned they lived on Connie Dr. When they learned that my parents built their first home there, and that I was born on that street, we became fast friends.
Not much remains of what I recollect of Connie Drive, especially with Hillcrest and Union Elementary gone, but the friendship I had with your parents will endure, and be rekindled at a future time when we all pass through the veil.
I pray that you'll each have the companionship of wonderful memories until you are able to hold your parents in your arms again.