Ermina Belle (Koby) Shepherd passed peacefully surround by family on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020 at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton, KS after a brief non-covid illness and lung cancer.
Ermina was the seventh child of eight born to Lyle D and Lelah N (Crawford) Koby in Sedgwick, KS. She graduated from Sedgwick High School in 1952 and was the Basketball Homecoming Queen same year.
Ermina married A. Gene Shepherd, Avoca, AR on March 27, 1954 at Pleasant Valley Church, Bentley, KS. Gene and Ermina were married 59 years at the passing of Gene Feb 2, 2014. During their married life they resided in Newton and raised two daughters: Linda (Shepherd) Pierceall and Janet (Shepherd) Soukup.
As a homemaker she was active in South Breeze PTA, Room Mother and Brownie Scout Assistant Leader. After the girls were older, she began working outside the home at Ben Franklin and Alco for many years. Closing out her professional career at Midland National and First Bank, Newton.
Ermina was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Roy, Gene and siblings – Mary Clark, Ralph Koby, Ruth Sheffler, and Isaac (Ike) Koby.
She was a doting sister, mother, grandma and gg-ma to those that survive her, Siblings: Viola Strausz, Moundridge, KS; Lloyd Koby – Hot Springs Village, AR; Sister-in-law: Irene Koby, Midlothian, TX. Daughters: Linda Pierceall, Houston, TX; Janet (Joe) Soukup, Newton; 4 Grandchildren: Jerrod Soukup, Wichita; Amy (Marc) Kyle, Houston, TX; Justin (Celina) Soukup, Newton; Jodi Soukup (Doug Burford), San Antonio, TX; 6 Great-Grandchildren: Abri Fisher-Soukup, Preston Kyle, Ryan Burford, Jayden Soukup, Addison Kyle, Madison Burford; 3 Step-Great-Grandchildren: Madison, Jaxson and Olivia Gillespie.
Also surviving are many friends from the First United Methodist Church, UMW Circle, Newton Masonic Lodge, and Newton Shrine Club; as well as the Wednesday card ladies: Mary, Roberta and Joan.
The family would like to thank the Good Shepherd Hospice Team for the care extended to Ermina as well as the family and to Kidron Bethel 29South Nursing Team and the Chaplin, words cannot express the caring and compassion shown to us during this difficult time and allowing mom to pass in her own way.
Viewing will be held Sunday, Dec 20 from 1-5 p.m. with family present 2-4, due to Covid please wear mask and visitation will be limited to 10 persons at a time. Graveside Services will be Monday, Dec 21 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, please wear mask.
In lieu of flowers it was Ermina’s wish for donations to be made to Sedgwick High School Alumni Scholarship Fund or
First United Methodist Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St., Newton, KS 67114
She was a very happy person.one of my MEMORIES with her sister vi and grandkids from Texas WAS at hoof and horns at Sedgwick ks. Always laughs with them. I know she will be missed but is now family in heaven.
She was such a good friend to my mom. When my dad passed away Ermina took my mom under her wing and they did lots of fun things together. She even came and sat with me while my mom was having a procedure do me. She was a wonderful woman so full of life. This world isn’t going to be the same without her.
Ermina was a great lady, and she will be missed. She had a smile for everyone and was a friend to so many!
Ermina was a friend who lived down the street from us when we both were children and was always a great person to be around. She always had a smile and was a very uplifting sole to be around. She is missed.