Clarice Shepherd

Clarice Shepherd, 95, of Highmore, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021, at the Highmore Health in Highmore.

A family service will be held at a later date.

Clarice Arlene Ankrum was born June 6, 1926, in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Her parents, Lester and Minnie (Reynolds) Ankrum resided in Highmore, South Dakota. She was the eldest of her siblings Lester, Merle, and Charles.

No matter the weather, she was responsible for hitching Sparky, their horse, to the buggy and taking her brothers to school. 

One time, she raced Sparky against a Model T driven by her father. The horse turned too quickly for her, and she fell off in front of the car and was run over. Her father was quite relieved to discover she escaped with only bruises.

Another time, she thought the pilot light had gone out on the stove, so she threw kerosene on it. Unfortunately, it exploded and burned down the house and all their possessions. She raced to the neighbors on Sparky for help, but in the meantime her dad was trying desperately to get into the house to find her. The neighbors showed up in time to stop him and let him know she was ok.

Clarice married Robert James Shepherd on January 24, 1947, and they had four children, twins: Randy and Ray, Terry, and Peggy.

She enjoyed caring for the residents of a rest home in Pierre, South Dakota, for over 40 years.      

In August of 2020, she went to live in Highmore, South Dakota, at the Highmore Health Center until her death November 19, 2021.

Clarice was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Some of her favorite hymns were, “I Come to the Garden Alone”, “I Need the Prayers of Those I Love”, “Rock of Ages”, and “Jesus is Coming Soon”. She loved reading her Bible and especially the Psalms and 2nd Thessalonians that speaks of the righteous being raised from the dead. Her favorite Psalms were chapters 23 and 91.

She is survived by her children: Randy (Kay) Shepherd of Montana, Ray (Maureen) Shepherd of South Dakota, Terry Shepherd of South Dakota, and Peggy (Bob) Hansen of Nebraska; two brothers: Merle (Betty) Ankrum, and Charles (Jonel) Ankrum; six grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and lots of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lester; and husband, Robert.

Clarice always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed by her family and friends and will always be in our hearts.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Clarice’s arrangements.