Obituary of Ronald Arthur Shepherd

Ronald Arthur Shepherd, 72, of 2984 High Point Road, Cochranville, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday morning, January 20, 2011 at Lankenau Hospital in Ardmore, PA. Born in West Grove, PA, he was the son of the late Cox W. and Edith H. Baker Shepherd. He was the husband of Mildred E. Geesaman Shepherd for 45 years on May 22, 2010. Ron was a faithful and active member of Faith Bible Chapel in Cochranville where he served as an elder and church treasurer. Following graduation from Oxford Area High School in 1956, he enlisted for two years in the United States Air Force. Upon returning to civilian life, he was a farmer for 25 years in Lincoln University, PA. He also was a mail carrier for 10 years in West Grove and Glenmoore, PA and invested locally in real estate. Ron was a member of Gideon's International, Chester County Southwest Camp. He and his wife visited all 50 of the United States, traveling to the 49 continental states by automobile. He enjoyed playing pinochle and canasta and collecting and restoring antique children's highchairs. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his 14 grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by his children, Dawn M., wife of John L. Hefley, of Lancaster, PA, Melisa S., wife of Jon C. Wenger, of Denver, PA, Ronda S., wife of Daniel E. Engstrom, of Rostraver Twp., PA, and Ronald A., II, husband of Amy L. Hutchins Shepherd, of Lancaster; 14 grandchildren; and three siblings, Harold W., husband of Mary Jo Shepherd, of Westernville, NY, Grace E., wife of John Brickner, of La Mesa, CA, and Janet M., wife of John Wheatley, of Quarryville, PA. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Faith Bible Chapel, 140 Bernard Avenue, Cochranville, PA with Pastor M. Scott Althouse officiating. Private interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. There will be no viewing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday afternoon from 3-5:00 PM and again on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The family requests that flowers please be omitted. If desired, contributions may be made in his memory to Gideon's International, PO 345, West Grove, PA 19390-0345. To view a webcast of the service or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.