Ben William Sheppard, 79

Ben W. Sheppard, 79, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away Sept. 28, 2026, at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho. Ben was a force of a man, born Nov. 21, 1946, in Salmon, Idaho, as the eldest son of the late George and Louise (Reynolds) Sheppard. He took the responsibility of being the oldest of four brothers with pride, serving as a formidable protector and unwavering source of strength that his family knew they could always rely on. 

Ben graduated from Wallace High School with the Class of 1965. On Oct. 8, 1965, he married the love of his life, Monica Culver, beginning a marriage that would span more than 60 years. Together, they built a beautiful long life. They soon brought a daughter and son into the world, whom he was tremendously proud of and loved dearly. Later, they were blessed with five granddaughters and now loved by six (and counting) great-grandchildren, the youngest of whom calls him “Grandpa Great” or sometimes just “Great.” In Ben’s own words, “We had a good run, didn’t we?”

He began his career in mining underground right here in the Silver Valley, then later shifted into safety, security, and loss control for the mining industry in Montana, Alaska, South Dakota, Nevada, and Colorado. In the '70s, he spent a few years as a Shoshone County Sheriff’s deputy, living in Avery and serving the surrounding community. He eventually owned his own consulting and training business, collaborating with various mines worldwide. Ben dedicated his life to Christ and earned his Doctorate Degree in Divinity Studies. He took pleasure in serving as an interim pastor for several churches in the Silver Valley and was a valuable mentor and Brother in Christ to many. He loved his church family very much. 

As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, over the years Ben was remembered for his willingness to share his knowledge and resources. He became the person many knew they could call at any hour when they needed a place to hang and cool an animal in his walk-in cooler. He gladly shared his time, tools, and support with anyone in need, particularly sharpening knives, giving instructions, and demonstrating how to master the more delicate techniques during butchering. He greatly enjoyed fishing, especially with his good friend, Bob, traditionally followed by a stop for a huckleberry milkshake. He had many hobbies over the years. His grandkids recall him as a man who could turn his hand to just about anything and was always willing to teach his skills to anyone. From whittling, leatherwork, playing harmonica, tying flies, to reloading his own ammunition and teaching trapping classes, he would always find activities he could delve into.

Extremely active in his church, Ben was proud to share the gospel; he had an affinity for discussing faith with anyone, anywhere. He could be found at Bible studies and serving in any way he could. As difficult as his loss is, there is peace in the eternal perspective we have through Christ — the assurance that this life is not the end. He is in God’s hands and in a better place and death does not have the final word. 

Ben is preceded in death by both his parents and his younger brother, Steve. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Monica Sheppard of Pinehurst, Idaho; his two children, Pam (Steve) Pyle of Silverdale, Wash., and Todd (Tonya) Sheppard of Cataldo, Idaho; five granddaughters, Taylor (Micah) Fischer of Lewiston, Idaho, Trista (Chance) Thompson of Osburn, Idaho, Taeya (Jake) Fitzgerald of Hamilton, Mont., Baleigh Pyle of Leavenworth, Wash., and Faith Pyle of Silverdale, Wash.; six great-grandchildren; Wesson, Camden, and Riggs Fischer of Lewiston, Idaho, Quincy and Shep Thompson of Osburn, Idaho, and Bennett Fitzgerald of Hamilton, Mont.; two of his younger brothers, Rusty Sheppard of Black Lake, Idaho, and Pat (Shannon) Sheppard of Moscow, Idaho; as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Real Life Ministries in Pinehurst, Idaho.

Memories of Ben and messages of condolence may be shared online with his family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is caring for the Sheppard family.