Martha Ellen Sheperek, described by family and friends as "one of the nicest people you could meet" and "an angel on earth," died Friday, June 28, 2013, at the Life Care Center of Longmont, Colo.. She was 77 years old. Martha was born February 22, 193,6 in Sun Valley, Calif., to Olen Henry and Beulah Frances (Gilbreth) Patterson.

On June 15, 1955, she married Wayne Henry Sheperek in Tujunga, Calif. To this union, Martha and Wayne had four children. From 1968 to 1993 she lived in Rico, Colorado. She and Wayne owned and operated the Rico Mercantile store which closed in 1982. Martha moved to Longmont in 1993 to be closer to her family and long-time friends.

Martha is remembered for her tremendous sense of humor and wit. She was devoted to her family and friends and had a significant role in raising her grandson Alex, with whom she had a very close and loving relationship and never tired of giving him backrubs. She enjoyed baking, cake decorating, painting, knitting, and playing all kinds of card games. She was a member of the Catholic Church and the Rico Women's Club and served a four-year term on the Rico Town Board.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne in 1990, son Steven in 1983, son-in-law Bobby Dean in 2001, and six siblings, Gladys, Richard, Iris, Norma Jean, Linda and Jerry.

Martha was deeply loved by everyone who had the fortune to meet her, and is survived by three children: Donna Lynn Dean, Michael Wayne (Kim) Sheperek and Eric Thomas Sheperek, grandson Alexander Michael Sheperek and many other loving family and friends.

Graveside services will be held in Rico, at a date yet to be determined. Cremation has been entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to the Our Center at 303 Atwood St., Longmont, CO 80501. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.