Elizabeth Hollister Sheppard Woolley, beloved wife of LaRon Palmer Woolley of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital on Sunday June 2, 2024 at the age of 86.

On February 24, 1938, Betty was born in Calgary, AB, to John Hollister Sheppard III and Emma Fisher. She was the third of four children. In 1957, Betty met Ron, when both were members of the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus. They were married on June 27, 1964, in the Cardston Alberta Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Betty had been teaching elementary school for a few years in Edmonton, AB and Fort Saskatchewan, AB. During their first year of marriage, Betty and Ron both taught school in Calgary. When Ron returned to graduate school in Edmonton, Betty did some substitute teaching. When children started to arrive, family became and remained her focus. Their life together has been filled with family, faith, music, service and travel.

As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Betty served in numerous teaching, leadership and musical capacities. From 1985-1987, she was the organist at the Laie Hawaii L.D.S. Temple. In 1999, she prepared and conducted one of the choirs for the dedication of the Edmonton Alberta Temple. From 2002-2005, she served with her husband in leading the Church’s missionary endeavors in several South Pacific Island nations. And from 2008-2011, she served as matron of the Suva Fiji Temple where her husband presided.

Betty is survived by her loving husband Ron; five living children: Michelle, Richard (Félicité), Cara Disney (Brad Rennie), Kathryn Duncan (Reid), and Merrill (Shondelle); daughter-in-law Gemma Marcelino Woolley; 20 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her parents, brother John Hollister Sheppard IV, sister Mary Sheppard Decker, son Kevin LaRon Woolley, and great-granddaughter Melanie Andrews.

Betty will be sorely missed by her family and the many who knew and loved her.

A Viewing will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grande Prairie (11212 – 102 St). Service to follow at 11:00 am, and interment to follow after.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed via Zoom.

https://zoom.us/j/93119492204?pwd=BWa5TMNbVNjcLIndcA2wSpAvJcMZfK.1

Meeting ID: 931 1949 2204

Passcode: 573216

• Date : 2024-06-02
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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