Sandy Schultz Shepherd

Sandy Shepherd was born July 1, 1952, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was baptized at Timothy Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and later confirmed on Palm Sunday 1966 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Sandy attended Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, from 1970-1974 where she received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

After graduation, Sandy began her career as a retail buyer for multiple national department stores. Her work took her to Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Kansas City, Atlanta, and buyer markets in Europe. She later received a Master's degree in Finance from Georgia State University and started her own business in Atlanta teaching computer and software skills on military bases across the United States.

Sandy married Todd Shepherd in Scottsdale, Arizona, on September 12, 1998. They made Austin, Texas, their home with a family of rescue dogs and cats. It was there that she followed in her father's footsteps by honing her home remodeling skills. Following her passion for animals, she became manager and buyer for upscale pet shops in Austin until her untimely and sudden death on August 20, 2013. In addition to her love for animals, Sandy was known for her enduring friendships, wonderful culinary skills, creative and outgoing nature, keen intellect, love of travel, and a penchant for elegance and beauty.

Sandy is survived by her husband Todd Shepherd of Austin, Texas; parents Harry and Marge Schultz of Lees Summit, Missouri; and five siblings: Richard and Darlene Schultz of Atlanta, Georgia; Roger Schultz of Durham, North Carolina; Susan and David Wolfram of Overland Park, Kansas; Mary and Bill Meade of Parker, Colorado; and Melanie and Jeff Clark of Raleigh, North Carolina. Survivors also include siblings of Marge and Harry, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Schell of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mrs. R. D. Marcum of Yucaipa, California; many cousins; and nieces and nephews who loved her as a favorite aunt.

A memorial service was recently held in Kansas City, Missouri, where many friends of the family mourned her loss. Her family notes that she will be sorely missed, as they feel incomplete without her.

In Austin, a celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2013, at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, 11908 North Lamar Boulevard. A brief reception will be held at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sandy's honor to the animal rescue group or Humane Society of your choice.