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Margaret Grace (Armel) Sheppard's heart beat its last on Oct. 9, 2024. She peacefully passed away at home at the age of 82 on the farm she cherished surrounded by loved ones.
Margaret ("Peggy") was born on May 23, 1942, to Frank H., Sr., and Bertha M. (Epler) Armel of Vienna, WV. She had three brothers, Frank H., Jr., Charles Patrick ("Pat") and John W. She graduated from Parkersburg High School and married Jesse E. Sheppard. They had three children, Angela Marie ("Angie",) Rebecca Lynn and Matthew Clive ("Matt"). Although they eventually divorced, they remained good friends. Margaret retired from Schott Scientific Glass, where she served as a union steward when the facility was operated by Corning Glass.
She was perhaps best known for her love of animals, especially dogs and horses. She spent the latter years of her life living on the Clive Sheppard farm located in Palestine, WV, where she enjoyed taking care of three horses until she suffered a serious heart attack. Although not expected to survive, she beat the odds and continued to live on the farm until her weakened heart finally ended her life several years later.
Margaret donated her earthly remains to West Virginia University for the benefit of the medical school. Her remains will be cremated and returned to the family for interment after two years. Margaret's life will be celebrated with a visitation to be held on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, for family and close friends.
Margaret is survived by her ex-husband Jesse Sheppard, and each of her children, Angie Hunt (Bryan), Rebecca Rodak (Robert) and Matthew Sheppard; two grandsons, Patrick B. Hunt (Cassie) and Timothy C. Sheppard; one great granddaughter, Mariella Aurora Grace Hunt; one brother and his wife, John W. and Shirley (Metz) Armel; her sister in law, June (Roberts) Armel, and two brothers in law, Jonathan C. Sheppard and Hugh P. Sheppard; many nieces and nephews, including Linda (Roger), Vicki (Dwight), Diana, Patrick (Ginny), Mike (Beth), John, John W., Jr., Sandy, Lynn, Candy (Clint), and Gwen (Tom); and many friends, including Kitty Varner and Adam and Holly Green. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank H., Sr., and Bertha M. Armel; two brothers, Frank H. Armel, Jr., and C. Patrick Armel; two sisters in law, Donna (Eckhart) Sheppard and Carole (Coe) Sheppard; and her lifelong friend, Janet M. (Hutchins) Fouss.
The family requests that In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Margaret's memory by contribution do so to the Wirt County EMS (Town of Elizabeth, PO Box 478, Elizabeth, WV 26143; Phone 304-275-3200), who helped her with great kindness on several occasions; Housecalls Hospice (417 Grand Park Drive, Suite 204, Parkersburg, WV 26101; Phone: 304-424-3901), who made her passing at home peaceful, comfortable and dignified; or to the animal rescue group of your choice.