Erika L. Vallier Shepard

May 1, 1979 - June 17, 2008

Erika L. Vallier Shepard, 29, of Denver, passed away June 17, 2008, in Denver. Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21, at Peetz United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jodie Harless officiating. Interment will be at Peetz Cemetery.
Erika was born May 1, 1979, to Gordon and Sandra J. (Trojanovich) Vallier in Sidney, Neb. In 1996, she stayed in Australia as an exchange student. She later returned to Australia to visit her host family.
In 1997, she graduated from Peetz High School. She moved to the Denver area and attended Arapahoe Community College, earning an associate's degree in travel and tourism.
Erika was employed for eight years at United Health in Denver as a data entry technician.
On Nov. 20, 1999, she married Rick Shepard in Sterling.
She was a member of Peetz United Methodist Church. She enjoyed music and attending concerts of her favorite musicians, playing the piano, traveling, gardening, and had a new interest in genealogy. She also had a large collection of Beanie Babies.
Erika's main interest, though, was playing with and teaching her son. She enjoyed making photo albums of him.
She is survived by her husband, Rick Shepard of Denver; son, Brenden Dale Shepard of Denver; parents, Gordon and Sandra J. Vallier of Peetz; brother, Brian Vallier and wife Robin of Parker; nephews, Jaxon and Dylan Vallier of Parker; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was also greatly loved by Rick's parents, Dale and Lorrie Shepard of Yuma.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lupus Research, in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.