Shirley Joan Shepherd

Shirley Joan (Adams) Shepherd, 91, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Blue Springs Wellness and Rehab surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South 2nd Street. Odessa, Missouri 64076. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Odessa Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Children’s Hospital. Memories of Shirley and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Though named Shirley Joan, she was known and loved as Joan by family and friends. Joan was born on May 13, 1934, in Bates City, Missouri to Elmer Clarence and Iris Bertha (Roles) Adams. She graduated from Oak Grove High School. Joan enjoyed a career in cake decorating. On December 20, 1974, Joan was united in marriage to Joe Phillip Shepherd in Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2022.

Joan loved spending time sewing, quilt making, cake decorating, and reading. She enjoyed being surrounded by children and finding a bargain at a thrift store or garage sale, especially blouses.

Joan is survived by four children: Iris (Gary) Hubbard, Theresa Protenic, Sheila (Jim) Landes, and Darla (Leon) Butler; twelve grandchildren: Beau, Cole, Amy, Ed, Joe, Ken, Jennifer, Katy, Jackie, Melissa, Kelly, and Zach; thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; one sister: Joy Tye; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Along with both her parents and loving husband, Joan was preceded in death by a son, Roland Parshall; five sisters: Betty Davis, Reny Geddes, Virdilla Moe, Eva Mea Tye, and Evelyn Wright; three brothers: Jesse Adams, Nelson Adams, and Howard Adams.