Joy Rucks Shepard-Hess

Joy Rucks Shepard-Hess of Frostproof passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at the Lake Wales Medical Center.

She was born November 25, 1931 in Pahokee to the late Ernest and Bessie (Phillips) Rucks; and came to Frostproof from Jacksonville in 1957. She was a Polk County Educator for over 40 years, serving the last 13 years as Principal for Frostproof Elementary School, where she retired. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Frostproof, where she served in many positions. She was a master gardener, volunteer at the Manatee Education Center in Fort Pierce, member of the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority, awarded Polk County Woman of the Year, served on the Frostproof Care Center Board and the Frostproof Library Board, member of the Frostproof Woman's Club, as well as many other civic activities.

Joy was preceded in death by her first husband, William L. Shepard in 1985. Survivors include her husband of 20 years, Don Hess; daughter, Donna Lee Shepard Perkins of Frostproof; son, William G. Shepard and wife, Beverly (Fort) of Collinsville, AL; brother, Donnie J. Rucks and wife, Barbara of Frostproof; grandchildren, William "Bill" Perkins, Brian Perkins, Lindsey Perkins, Dr. Brooke S. Orr and husband Lance, and Dr. Pamela Shepard.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church, Frostproof. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, May 7, 2010 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home, Frostproof. Interment will follow the service at the Silver Hill Cemetery, Frostproof. For those who wish, contributions may be made in her name to the First United Methodist Church of Frostproof (150 Devane Street, Frostproof, FL 33843) or the Frostproof Care Center (21 South Scenic Highway, Frostproof, FL 33843).

To view the webcast of her service, please click link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/137400