Della L.‘Ms. Della’ McMahan-Shepard
Della L. McMahan-Shepard, 85, of Wolf Lake, went home to her Lord and Savior Friday, May 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Oct. 25, 1938, in Anna, the daughter of Eugene and Martha Chamness Koch.
She married Robert E. “Sarge” McMahan on Aug. 31, 1957, in Anna. He preceded her in death on Nov. 28, 1996. She later married Ron Shepard on Aug. 11, 2004, in Belleville.
She is survived by her husband, Ron Shepard; five children, Cliff and wife Mary McMahan, David and wife Angie McMahan, Beth and husband Jack Thornton, Shawn and wife Deneen McMahan, and Luke and wife Shelly McMahan; stepdaughter Paige and husband Randy Bosanko; her “Mac Pack” of 13 grandchildren, Katelyn, Logan, Adam, Aiden, Lindsey, Jordan, Lucas, Bailey, Nick, Ty, Abbie, Bethany and Autumn; 15 great-grandchildren, Cooper, Lakelyn, Aubree, Beau, Saylor, Cole, Shelby, Reed Sadie, Archer, Ace, Bentley, Kendall, Bryson and Arleigh; brothers Richard and wife Tanya Pengress, Frank Pengress, Robin and wife Kathy Pengress; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, “Sarge” McMahan; and a nephew, Jonathan Wade Pengress.
She was a faithful member of the Wolf Lake Community Church. She retired in 2002 from the Shawnee School District, where she spent 33 years in various positions. She affectionately became known as Mrs. Della by all the children she cared for at the school. She loved to travel and go camping with Ron, but was always ready to get back to the farm.
She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the VFW’s Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 Ladies Auxiliary. For over 67 years, she and her classmates, known as the Club Girls, still got together for laughs and fellowship.
She was very proud of her children and grandchildren; home and family were her heart and soul. Her love for cooking brought everyone around the table as a lifetime of memories were made.
Funeral services were at noon Saturday, May 18, at the Wolf Lake Community Church. The eulogy and services were conducted by her family. Interment was private on the family farm.
Memorials can be made to the Wolf Lake Community Park or to the Wolf Lake Community Church.
To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.