Chinook, MT

Terry Sheppard, beloved by family and friends, passed away on August 10, 2016. Terry was born on January 24, 1948 to Dale Sheppard and Olive Slonaker Sheppard. The family lived in Chinook when Terry was a young child and moved to Havre when he was five. He graduated from Havre High School in 1966 and attended University of Montana.

Terry met his soulmate Jude Schnurr and they married in March of 1971. Terry’s service in the military took them to Texas and Washington State, and after the birth of their oldest daughter, Ali, and Terry’s discharge from the Army, they returned home to Havre. Their son Matthew was born in 1975.

Always drawn to work outside, Terry purchased a small cattle operation in the Bear Paw Mountains in 1980 and worked on his Dad’s farm. Terry and Jude’s daughter Jacy was born in 1983 and their family was complete.

In 1989 Terry sold the ranch and the family moved to Chinook. The friendships Terry made during this period of his life spanned three decades.

After moving to Chinook, Terry returned to college and earned his business degree. He went to work at the Young law firm until he retired in 2015.

In November 2014 Terry was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. As John Wayne said “courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway.” Terry handled his diagnosis with courage, quiet determination and a sense of humor. He has been described by many as “one of the special ones.” The love of his family and the strength and lasting bonds of the friendships he made throughout his life were evident in the time after his diagnosis.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Olive Sheppard; and his sister Darla Kay Sheppard. He is survived by his loving wife Jude; his children Ali Bovingdon (Peter), Matt Sheppard (Kim) and Jacy Crowley (Clint); his beloved grandchildren Logan and Carson Sheppard, Griffen and Hudson Crowley and Gillian Bovingdon; and his siblings Doug Sheppard (Paula), Karla Bolken (Wayne) and Dave (Mary Beth); and numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was adored by all who knew him.

A private service will be held in the Bear Paw Mountains on September 4. On September 17, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles in Chinook from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Terry’s family has requested that memorials be made in his name to the ALS Association, Lawrence R. Barnett Research Council which funds research efforts to find a cure for the disease. Condolences may be left for the family at edwardsfuneralhomemt.com.

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