Republic – Peggy Sue Shepherd, age 59, of Republic, passed away at 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at UP Health System Marquette, in the loving care of her husband and daughter.  She had been in ill health for several months.

Peggy was born March 4, 1958 in Ishpeming, MI to Norman and Elaine (Hendrickson) Heliste.  She was a 1976 graduate of Republic-Michigamme High School.  She married Wayne H. "Tex" Shepherd on Sept. 2, 1978.  Together, they raised two daughters –Kathryn and Kerrie.

Peggy was a lifelong resident of Republic.  She was the "second mother" and to many nieces and nephews and did daycare for many area families throughout the years.  She was the family cook for parties and other get togethers.   She was always quick to lend a helping hand or a kind word.  She loved dancing and had a smile that lit up her whole face. She truly lived every one of her 59 years.

Peggy was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic, where she taught Sunday School, served as funeral luncheon coordinator, and was on the Church Council.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Wayne "Tex" Shepherd, her daughter Kathryn (Michael) Skavery, her mother Elaine Heliste, and three grandchildren – Keira Senske, Helaina Sue and Clara Skavery.  She is also survived by her brothers Wayne (Jane) Heliste and Keith (Beth) Heliste and sisters Wanda Mattila, Kathy (John) Stadler, Diane Tapio, Cindy Heliste, and Joanne (Mark) Antilla, sister-in-law Dianne Sirtola, brother-in-law Donald Shepherd, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, aunts Irja Hendrickson and Lucille Heliste, and lifelong friend, Tammy Granlund.

Peggy was preceded in death by her father, Norman S. Heliste, daughter Kerrie Sue Shepherd, "son" B.J. Senske, mother-in-law Cecelia Shepherd, sister-in-law Virginia Mattson, and brothers-in-law Vernon Shepherd, Dennis Shepherd, Joel "Buddy" Sirtola, Ben Mattson, and David Mattila.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 – 3:00pm on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic.  A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00pm on Sunday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kevin Kaiser to officiate.  A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery at a later date.

Peggy's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .