Della McMahan-Shepard

WOLF LAKE, Ill. -- Della L. "Mrs. Della" McMahan-Shepard, 85, of Wolf Lake went home to her Lord and Savior Friday, May 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Oct. 25, 1938, in Anna, Illinois, the daughter of Eugene and Martha Chamness Koch. She married Robert E. “Sarge” McMahan on Aug. 31, 1957, in Anna. He preceded her in death Nov. 28, 1996. She later married Ron Shepard on Aug. 11, 2004, in Belleville, Illinois.

Della was a faithful member of Wolf Lake Community Church. She retired in 2002 from Shawnee School District, where she spent 33 years in various positions. She affectionately became known as "Mrs. Della' by all the children she cared for at the school. Della loved to travel and go camping with Ron, but was always ready to get back to the farm.

She was a member of Red Hat Society and Carroll P. Foster VFW Post No. 3455 Ladies Auxiliary. For more than 67 years she and her classmates, known as the Club Girls, still got together for laughs and fellowship.

Della was very proud of her children and grandchildren. Home and family were her heart and soul. Her love for cooking brought everyone around the table as a lifetime of memories were made.

Della is survived by her husband, Ron Shepard; five children, Cliff (Mary) McMahan, David (Angie) McMahan, Beth (Jack) Thornton, Shawn (Deneen) McMahan and Luke (Shelly) McMahan; stepdaughter, Paige (Randy) Bosanko; her “Mac Pack” of 13 grandchildren, Katelyn, Logan, Adam, Aiden, Lindsey, Jordan, Lucas, Bailey, Nick, Ty, Abbie, Bethany and Autumn; 15 great-grandchildren, Cooper, Lakelyn, Aubree, Beau, Saylor, Cole, Shelby, Reed, Sadie, Archer, Ace, Bentley, Kendall, Bryson and Arleigh; brothers, Richard (Tanya) Pengress, Frank Pengress and Robin (Kathy) Pengress; and other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Sarge McMahan; and nephew, Jonathan Wade Pengress.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the service hour at noon Saturday, May 18, at Wolf Lake Community Church.

Funeral will follow at noon, Saturday, May 18, at the church. Eulogy and service will be conducted by her family. Interment will be private on the family farm.

Memorial contributions are preferred to Wolf Lake Community Park or the Wolf Lake Community Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

To view the obituary and leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.