Dulce Shepherd Marrs
Dulce Shepherd Marrs, of Solvang, California, passed away after a brief struggle with lung cancer the morning of September 12, 2018 at her Solvang home with her youngest sister, Bunnie, by her side.
Dulce was the fourth born of the nine children of Willard W. and Norma D. Shepherd. She is survived by her loving siblings, Willard Shepherd III, Heidi Shepherd, Elise Shepherd, Rondi Shepherd Knight, Lauri Shepherd (Paul) Ruiz, Wendy Shepherd, and Bunnie Shepherd (Ken) Sexton, step-mother Gerry Shepherd, and half-brothers Earl Shepherd and Wendell Shepherd, nephews Kenny Sexton, Kris Sexton, Joshua Sexton, Jerrod Knight, Dolan Knight and nieces Raechel Knight Atkeson and Madeline Sexton. Dulce was predeceased by her father, Willard W. Shepherd, mother, Norma Dolan Shepherd, and brother, James Barrett Shepherd.
Dulce was a graduate of Santa Ynez Valley High School and received her teaching degree from the University of British Columbia. In her Athletic Career, She was a Champion Surfer, Semi-pro Racquetball player, and avid Equestrian.
Licensed both in Massage Therapy and as an EMT, She also thoroughly studied Oriental Medicine. Her membership in ‘MENSA International’ attested to her keen mind.
Dulce was an artist in many mediums. A ‘hands on’ home builder and co-designer, her latest a stunning ‘adobe style’ residence insulated by straw. Fascinated by different cultures and their artistry, she created and sold handbags and vests made of tapestries from the Far East. Her latest creation by ‘Shepherd Productions’ was a line of Impressionistic photo greeting cards under the company ‘Outside My Window’, to reflect the beauty she felt was to be found in our immediate surroundings.
Dulce was a long-time participant with the Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, led by conductor and composer Chris Bowman. She was a generous supporter of her church and many causes.
Graveside Services will be held Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard, Father Bob Barbato, OFM, Cap. officiating. In lieu of flowers, Dulce’s wish was for contributions to be made to The Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center.