Betty R. Shepherd, 86, of Indianapolis, passed away September 13, 2017. The daughter of Ada M. Burton McElroy Anderson and Wilis McElroy, Betty was born July 13, 1931 in Shelby County, Indiana.

She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church and later at Gray Road Baptist Church. An avid I.U. basketball fan, she enjoyed bowling, watching old movies and spending time with family. For years, she did child care with the Expo Bowling Alley.

Betty is survived by sons, Marion R. Shepherd, Jr. and Richard A. (Anna) Shepherd, both of Indianapolis; daughters, Sandra E. (Mike) Ward of Indianapolis and Melissa L. (Dan) Danford of Beech Grove; grandchildren, Michael Ward, II, Heather Hambrick, Matthew Shepherd, Stephanie Watson, Courtney Wilson, Sarah Myrick, Christina Showecker, Christine Parr, Christopher Danford, Isaac Danford, Hosanna Danford and Jonathan Danford; seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion R. Shepherd, Sr., whom she married on July 15, 1949; daughter, Ada Marie Shepherd; brother, Tommy McElroy; sisters, Mattie Cox, Lettie McElroy, Opal Wagaman, Helen King and Ann Whitlock.

Services 10:00 a.m. September 18, 2017 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home - 1977 South State Road 135, Greenwood. Friends may call 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. September 17, 2017 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer''s Association - 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100 Indianapolis, Indiana 46240.

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