Former Idaho Rep. Mary Lou Shepherd died Wednesday, Idaho House Minority Leader John Rusche announced Thursday.

Shepherd, 80, served in the Idaho House from 2000 to 2010, representing the Silver Valley.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mary Lou Shepherd and we extend our condolences to her family," Rusche said in a press release. "Mary Lou served Idahoans with distinction and advocated for her constituents in an honest and common-sense way."

According to the press release, Shepherd was a "valued" member of the house and a member of the "Lunch Bucket Democrats."

"People in the Silver Valley trusted her and knew that she represented them well in the Statehouse," Rusche said. "She worked hard to improve Idaho's transportation system and to keep our highways safe by supporting Idaho State Police. Her greatest achievement, though perhaps also the most understated, was the energy and work that she put into constituent service. She will be missed."