02/04/2026
Jean Joyce Shepherd Hays was born on December 13, 1939 to Louise and Floyd Shepherd in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She graduated from Central High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1957. She was united in marriage in 1960 to Stanley Bruce Hays, and together they had three children, Bill (Sue Unfred) of Oregon City, Oregon; Cathy (Ronnie Smith) of Woodbury, Minnesota; and Betsy (Ed Sturm) of Burnsville, Minnesota.
In 1961, Jean and Stan moved to Sparta and raised their family there. Jean was very involved in the community of Sparta throughout her life. Everything from being the classroom “room mother” to serving on the Police and Fire Commission. She was the kind of person who would be called on to organize a potluck, call a shut-in, or bake bars for the church bazaar. She served on the board of the Morrow Home. Jean was active in Jaycettes and won the CAROL Award for her service to the community.
Jean was very involved in life at Trinity Lutheran Church. There she led confirmation classes, organized the church library, participated in the Joy Circle, led Bethel studies groups, and was elected as the first woman president of Trinity. Jean was devout in her love of God and in her commitment that that love would be shared with the world in service. She lived an amazing life of a servant, always ready to answer the call for those in need.
Jean began her teaching career as an English teacher at Sparta Junior High School until she stepped back to care for her own growing family. She later went back to the University of Wisconsin La Crosse to get her Master of Library Science degree. She then served as an elementary school librarian at both Southside Elementary and Leon Elementary. She loved to share the joy of books with young minds and did all the character voices when reading aloud. She was often stopped in stores in Sparta by former pupils who wanted to greet one of their favorite teachers.
Jean relished social gatherings and was the “hostess with the mostess.” She had the ability to make everyone feel welcome in their home. Jean and Stan threw parties for friends that ran the gamut from fancy potluck group spreads to backyard barbeques with other families that included a serious game of volleyball. She loved getting together with her bridge friends, filling tables with cards and laughter. She would pack a picnic to take on the boat on the Mississippi, to the bike trail, or to Myrick Park with her brother’s family. Jean, along with dear friends, organized fancy teas to raise funds for the Sparta Free Library.
Jean loved gardening and enjoyed each season that brought color to her beds. She shared her bounty with others and always loved transplanting flowers gifted from friends. She decorated their home with flowers and with pictures from their travels.
Jean and Stan went on many trips with friends; sometimes to golf but mostly as history buffs going to museums and places of historic interest. Jean’s biggest role though was in being mom to her three children and later as Gramma Jean or GStar. She was the mother who wrote notes on napkins to wish her children a good day and made sure homework was done. She encouraged us in our pursuits whether shooing us out to ride our bikes, or helping us get over a big disappointment in college. She was always there for each of her children with love and support.
As the years rolled on, Jean became Gramma Jean to Megan, Sean, Ronnie Jr., Cherese, Shaya, LaRon, Bryce, Krystal, Cameron, and Julia; and great-grandchildren Arianah, Jason, Jace, Laila, Jordan, and Solana. From fierce corn hole games to loving birthday clue hunts, GStar was a light in each of their lives. She taught games to all the kids including a cherished family card game which created the family cry of “You can always Chipper!”
Jean was predeceased by her parents, husband, and brother Alan. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Kay Shepherd of La Crosse, Wisconsin and Jean Hays of Greenville, South Carolina; also by her nieces and nephews: Lori, Brian, Michael, Cheryl, Kristi, Cynthia, Steven, Brian, and Dana.
Jean will always be remembered by those who knew her as a kind and generous person who could chat for hours and still get her lists done. She was a wonderful Christian, wife, mother, gramma, and friend. Her to-do lists are all done, and we all say “thank you for a job well done!”
Bill, Cathy, Betsy and their families would like to especially thank the many friends in Sparta who helped Mom in countless ways over the past years. We are truly grateful to the health care staffs at Gunderson Health Care, Marycrest, Regent of Burnsville, Fairview Ridges Hospital, Bluestone Physician Services, and Grace Hospice, all of whom cared for Mom in the most loving way through her journey. Thanks also to friends and neighbors who have reached out to us in our sadness and shared a remembrance of Mom. We are blessed to have all of you in Jean’s life and ours.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta.
Family and friends are invited to call at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be directed to ELCA Good Gifts or a non-profit of your choosing.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
