September 25, 1954 – September 26, 2021
Vicki Diane (Summers) Shepherd entered heaven and into the arms of Jesus on Sunday morning, September 26, 2021, following an extended and courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Her 67th birthday had been the day before, which she spent at home surrounded by family. Vicki was born September 25, 1954, in Indianapolis, the youngest daughter of Keith and Margaret (Stadler) Summers. She married Carl Shepherd on July 10, 1976.
Vicki graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1972 and attended ‘Indiana Central College’ on the south side of Indianapolis, now known as the University of Indianapolis. There is much to say about this wonderful woman who quietly loved and served Jesus throughout her life, as a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, prayer warrior, missionary, and countless times as a helping hand behind the scenes at a church event or project. Her heart to include everyone was shown by her hospitality and how often she opened her home to host events for family and friends, as well as multi-month stays for missionaries. Her heart to serve was shown by the countless creative projects into which she poured herself, her volunteer role at Global Partners, and overseeing the Trinity Church youth ministry with Carl.
Her heart for the world was shown by the hours she spent on her knees in prayer, many times late into the night, not to mention going overseas herself, teaching English in Croatia for six weeks and ministering to the Karis people of Central Asia for 11 months. She and Carl referred to one another as “My Adventure Partner,” and together they traveled the world, visiting 37 countries. One of Vicki’s proudest roles was that of a Mom and “Nana,” and in that role she deeply loved, selflessly cared for, and fiercely protected her flock. Her rich legacy lives on in her family and in the countless lives she touched along the way. Although we will all absolutely miss this dear woman in Christ, our loss is truly heaven’s gain.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Carl Shepherd; three sons, Jonathan (Christine) Shepherd, Ryan (Kristel) Shepherd, and Stephen (Tamara) Shepherd; four grandchildren, Joel, Josiah, Ansel, and Zion; five siblings, Dennis Summers, Wayne Summers (Linda), Mike Summers (Sara), Sandy Edwards, and Jerry Summers (Diana); and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in passing by her parents, Keith and Margaret “Peggy” (Stadler) Summers.
Family and friends will gather from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Trinity Church, 9709 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Trinity Church, with visitation one hour prior. Vicki’s funeral service will be live-streamed at live.encountertrinity.tv.
Contributions in memory of Vicki may be directed to Global Partners. Online donations are available at globalpartnersonline.org/donate, as well as envelopes at the church.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to care for Vicki and serve the Shepherd family.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com