Betty Lou (Shepard) Zepernick

Betty Lou Zepernick, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the age of 91, at the home of her daughter, Christina Hull, with whom she had been living for the past two years. Born on July 16, 1933, in Salem, Ohio, Betty was the daughter of the late Joseph and Adeline Shepard. In addition to raising seven children, she was a caretaker for several family members throughout her life.

A proud graduate of Salem High School, Betty completed her studies, graduating Salutatorian of her class after only three years. As a long-standing member of the Salem United Methodist Church, Betty's melodious contributions to the bell choir were a source of joy to the congregation. Her musical abilities extended to playing the violin and piano. Music held a very special place in her life.

Betty's creativity was not confined to music; she was also an accomplished artist. Her paintings and ceramic works were filled with the same love and care that she put into every aspect of her life. A skilled gardener, Betty cultivated both flowers and vegetables with a green thumb that was a source of great joy to her. The fruits of her labor were preserved through her canning, ensuring that the flavors of summer could be enjoyed year-round. Her fairy garden was a place of enchantment for her grandchildren, a magical space that reflected her playful spirit and love of nature.

In the kitchen, Betty was an outstanding cook and baker, renowned for her culinary skills. Her recipes, a treasured legacy, remain with her family, who are fortunate to have these tokens of her love and expertise. Her pie- and cake-making skills were enjoyed by not only her family, but by many members of the surrounding communities as she cooked and baked for numerous community gatherings and for the restaurant where she worked. Her skill also extended to crafting beautiful wedding cakes for her children and grandchildren's weddings.

Betty's life was one of partnership and adventure with her late husband, Dean, with whom she shared a love of tent camping. Together, and with their children’s families, they explored the great outdoors, creating memories with their family that would last a lifetime and involve four generations. She took her last week-long camping trip with her family during the summer of 2024, reliving those memories that she held in her heart. At home, Betty was a proud and loving housewife, taking great care in maintaining her home and nurturing her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Betty loved to go on adventures (travel) and spent time in California and across the United States, France, England, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. But more than anywhere, she loved being home in Ohio.

Her connection to nature was evident in her enjoyment of watching and feeding birds, a pastime that brought her great pleasure. Betty could identify every bird that visited her feeder. In her later years, while residing with her daughter, she continued her bird-watching times and delighted in watching the horses graze in the pastures of the family farm. Her heart always remained on the farm, whereas a young girl, she rode draft horses.

Betty was also a skilled draftsman for highway bridges, a role that showcased her precision and attention to detail. Her work contributed to the infrastructure that connected communities across Ohio.

Survivors include her daughters, Rebecca Huston of Hiram, Chris (Mark) Hull of Rootstown, Sue (Randy) Ogden of Winona and Amy (Jim) McDonald of Winona, as well as her sons, John (Melissa) Zepernick of Kensington, and Rob (Megan) Zepernick of Centerville, along with 23 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

 Betty was preceded in death by Adeline Shepard, her mother, in1955; Joseph Shepard, her father, in 1945; and Dean Eric Zepernick , her husband, in 1999; also her sisters, Joan Sekely in1992, and Barbara Shepard in 1994, her daughter, Patricia Ludwig in 2015, her son-in law, Ron Ludwig in1995, and her grandson Corey McDonald in 2022.

A private memorial service and celebration of her life will be held later.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Peace Ringers Bell Choir from the Salem United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Betty's obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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