H. Marlene Shepherd

We are saddened to announce that Helen Marlene Shepherd passed away at her Indianapolis home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. She suffered a stroke a month earlier and was surrounded by loving family and friends. She was 93 years young.

Viewing will be on Tuesday, July 28 from 4-7 pm and funeral service will be on Wednesday, July 29 at noon at Indiana Funeral Care West, 5791 Rockville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46224.

Marlene was born in Indianapolis in 1933. She graduated from Ben Davis High School and then married a persistent suitor who lived a block away. Marlene met Samuel Shepherd when he moved into the neighborhood. They were both 12 years old. They celebrated 61 years of marriage and were proud of the family they created.

Marlene was a great seamstress. She made school clothes, costumes, doll clothes, quilts and nightgowns. She also loved to scrapbook.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Frances Fox Beasley, her husband Sam Shepherd, her brother Jackie Beasley and sister-in-law Shirley Beasley. She is survived by her older brother Raymond Beasley, her children Connie Shepherd Ward (Steve), Debra Shepherd Archer (Herb), Danny Shepherd, and Amy Shepherd Scruggs (john).

She treasured her grandchildren: Katie Ward Sampson, Brock Ward, Jason Archer, Sara Archer Ollestad, Eric Shepherd, Cody Overbay, Emma Shepherd and Samantha Smith Minton.

She delighted in her 13 great-grandchildren, her nephews Terry, Jack, and Jerry and their families, and friends, Kay and Cleatha who she loved as family. Marlene loved daily phone calls with her family and keeping up with their lives and activities. She talked to her childhood friend Cleatha every week.

Marlene loved to attend holiday celebrations, birthday parties, dance recitals, ball games, choir concerts, plays, graduations and weddings.

Marlene’s strength, determination, work ethic, moral character and ability to love unconditionally set her as a role model. She is the heart of our family and will be missed beyond measure.