Rita R. Owens Shepard, 62, of Elora, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at her home. She was born in Franklin County, Tennessee, on March 4, 1962, to the late Floyd Jessie and Addie Mae Seals Owens. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Shepard is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Owens. She loved animals and owned and operated the Tender Years in-home daycare for 30 years.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald “Doc” Shepard, whom she married on June 5, 2021; three sons, Ryan (Maria) Petraszewsky, Jamie Petraszewsky (Sara) and Shane (Mathilde) Petraszewsky; five grandchildren, Jake Petraszewsky, Noah Petraszewsky, Ryann Petraszewsky, Abby Petraszewsky and Ace Petraszewsky and one sister, Sherry (Greg) Holder.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in the chapel of Gallant–Riverview Funeral Home with the Rev. Cleo Moon and the Rev. Jeremy Ogle officiating. Burial followed in Miller Cemetery.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Rita R. Owens Shepard.