Idaho State Representative Mary “Lou” Louise Shepherd, 80, of Prichard, Idaho, passed away Nov. 27, 2013, at the family home in Prichard.

She was born April 18, 1933, in Spokane, Wash. Mary Lou was the daughter of Heber S. and Georgia M. (Casler) Payne.

Mary Lou attended and graduated from the North Central High School of Spokane, Wash. She attended the North Idaho College and numerous colleges in Southern California.

Mary Lou moved to the Silver Valley in 1978 from Santa Maria, Calif. Mary Lou most of all was a wonderful and devoted mother of seven children of which she raised in Santa Maria. She had first served as a telephone operator in Spokane. Mary Lou had also worked at various theaters in Spokane and in California.

After moving to the Silver Valley, Mary Lou and her husband Walt Shute, owned and operated the Prichard Tavern of Prichard for eight years. Mary Lou proudly served as an Idaho State Representative for six terms; she was very devoted and was truly a great ambassador for the people of the Silver Valley and her district.

While her children were growing up, Mary Lou was very involved in the Parent Teachers Association and various Booster Clubs. While serving as Idaho State Representative, she served on various committees, including the Pacific Fisheries Task Force Committee. Mary Lou was most supportive of community and district events and was a member of numerous Chamber of Commerce’s, clubs, organizations and boards.

Mary Lou married James “Jim” V. Shepherd on Nov. 24, 1987, in Elko, Nev. They just celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. Mary Lou loved and enjoyed her family, reading, trees, water and Jim’s and her river home.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to Loving Care and More for their wonderful care of Mary Lou.

Mary Lou is survived by her beloved husband who was always by her side, Jim Shepherd of the family home in Prichard; seven children, Mona (Sam) Baker of Santa Maria, Jerry (Dawn) Shute of Santa Maria, Randy (Cathy) Shute of Orting, Wash., David (Kim) Shute of Coppell, Texas, Kevin (Ali) Shute of Post Falls, Idaho, Glenn (Mary Lou) Shute of Rathdrum, Idaho, and Gail (Virgil) Langley of Tucson, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; four step-children, Connie (Ken) Fuler of Spokane, Norman Shepherd of Spokane, Alan (Sanda) Shepherd of Spokane and Collette Shepherd of Missoula, Mont.; seven step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild; two sisters, twin sister Mary Jo Satler of Spokane and Nancy Griffin of Spokane; she is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Walter Shute.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Silver Valley Worship Center in Smelterville, Idaho, with Pastor Corey Berti officiating. Interment will be held at the Gamlin Cemetery near Sagle, Idaho. A potluck reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the Prichard Tavern; everyone is welcome.

One may sign Mary Lou’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, Idaho, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.