Linda Shepherd, 81, of Provo, UT, passed away on January 16, 2022, after a long battle with emphysema.

Linda was born on April 14, 1940, to Goldie Hughes Hampton and Mark J. Hampton in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated with the first graduating class at Highland High School in 1958. After graduation, she married John F. Ryser and went on to have 2 children, Suzanne and Shauna. After their marriage ended, Linda was a hard-working single mother for many years. Then on April 26, 1980, she married John H. Shepherd. Forty-two years later, John preceded Linda in death on January 14, 2022, a mere 2 days before Linda's passing. She and John loved traveling around the country in their motorhome for a year or more at a time. They also had belonged to a motorcycle club at one time and would go on long road trips with friends on their Honda Gold Wing. Linda was a dedicated and wonderful mother and went through many difficulties taking care of her younger daughter, Shauna. She was a special needs child, and it got to be increasingly difficult for Linda as Shauna continued to get much worse after she reached adulthood. Linda spent much of her life supporting and advocating for quality and happiness in Shauna's life. Shauna became physically handicapped, then was confined to a wheelchair, and finally had to be moved to a nursing home. She preceded Linda in death at the young age of 45, on May 16, 2008. Linda is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Bernal; her brother, Tom Varley; her nephew, Scott Varley; her beloved grandchildren, David Bernal (Hailey) and Ryan Bernal (Jessica); and her incredible, amazing great-grandchildren (Linda's opinion!), Lakota James and Juniper Christine (middle name taken after Linda). No flowers or gifts are necessary, however, we would like to thank the ones who have already, so generously, sent flowers to the family in our time of grief. The memorial for Linda will be held on May 25, 2022, at 3 pm at Salt Lake City Cemetery. Linda's ashes will be buried at her mother's gravesite, along with her daughter, Shauna's ashes, as well. Linda's niece, Lisa Dawn Varley, who preceded her in death on 12/21/2017, at the young age of 51, has already had her own ashes buried at the same site. After Linda's memorial at the cemetery, dinner will follow at the Rio Grande Cafe in Salt Lake City.

"Mom,

My mind still talks to you.

My heart still looks for you,

But my soul knows you're at peace."

With love, Suzanne

(Author unknown)

Post Script: Linda's husband, John, who also passed away, 2 days before Linda passed, had requested to have his ashes buried on his own mother's gravesite, which is in his birth state, Oregon. John's ashes were shipped to his children, who then held their own ash burial and memorial for their father.

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