Rita R. Owens Shepard, age 62, of Elora, TN, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024, at her home. She was born in Franklin County, TN 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 thirty 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 will be Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Gallant – Riverview Funeral Home with Rev. Cleo Moon & Rev. Jeremy Ogle officiating. Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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