LaRetta, 86, a longtime resident of Columbus, went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, February 25, 2024 while staying at Willow Crossing Health and Rehabilitation.
LaRetta was born September 23, 1937, in Ninevah, Indiana, the daughter of Alva E. and Elizabeth I. Wells Waltz. On May 16, 1985, LaRetta married Dennis M. Hoard. He proceeded her in death October 19, 2014.
LaRetta, along with her first husband, David F. Shepherd, Sr., owned and operated Shepherd’s Grocery Store in Amity, Indiana until 1967. Mrs. Hoard then worked as a teller for Centra Credit Union for nearly 30 years before retiring. She loved gardening, especially growing extremely large cabbage. Canning, attending yard sales and spending time with her grandchildren were some of LaRetta’s favorite things to do in her spare time.
Survivors include her children, Michael (Laura) Shepherd, Teresa (Randy) Reeves, Steven Shepherd, all of Columbus; step-children, Nancy (Wes) Eastwood, Ralph Hoard, both of Columbus, Mitchel Hoard of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Paul Hoard, also of Columbus; grandchildren, Angela Supernovich, Joshua Lowry, Ryan Shepherd, Wendi (Matt) Thompson, Daniel Reeves, Matthew Shepherd, Christopher Shepherd, Kimberly Reeves; five great-grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren; sister, Ann Sims of Franklin; Rosemary Leonard of Missouri; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dennis; son, David Shepherd, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Dawn Shepherd; stepson, Stephen Hoard; brothers, Tom (Jeanetta) Waltz, Gordon Waltz, Raymond Waltz; sister, Janet Harris; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Sims and Bob Leonard.
The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Ed Boston officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home. A live stream of the funeral may be viewed at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at barkesweaverglick.com. Burial will take place at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery where LaRetta will be laid to rest next to her husband, Dennis.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with LaRetta’s family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.