Hepler

Shelley Hepler, 62, of Butler, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

She was born Shelley Hockenberry on Dec. 22, 1962, to the late William Hockenberry and Helen “Isabel” (Sherman) Hockenberry. She immediately had two best friends in her siblings, Dru (Rod) Rensel and Jeffrey Hockenberry.

Shelley graduated from Butler High School and Lenape Nursing School and spent many years as an LPN caring for others, one of her most pivotal roles in life, putting others before herself. Shelley led her life being a dedicated nurse, friend, sister and teacher of all good things in this world.

When Shelley met the late Donald “Moose” Hepler it was a love that was meant to be. He saw her as many did, a caring and selfless woman, who was strong with a bright future. Shelley and Moose made a loving and warm home for the five amazing children they adopted and raised together through attentiveness and community service. Randy (Samantha) Hepler, Michael (Jennah) Hepler, Cheyenne (Zach) Schaeffer, Lee Hepler and Dalton Hepler truly believed that they were chosen by a divine power to belong to Shelley. In addition to their children, Shelley made room in her heart and home for her brother, Jeff, who suffered an aneurysm and required around-the-clock care.

Shelley’s door was always open for a cup of coffee, a meal, a good night’s sleep or just a listening ear. She was known to take in many stray dogs, cats and even humans who needed some love. When Moose passed away, Shelley had to quickly step up to become mother and father to her young family. Navigating the devastation of the loss of her beloved, then again, the tragedy of her son, Lee, being hit by a car, Shelley never gave up hope and faith in God.

As her children reached adulthood, no love she gave was greater than the love for her grandchildren. Her best friend, sidekick and sweet and sassy granddaughter, Sophia Hepler, her little pistol, Dallas Hartman, and her love bug, Gannon Schaeffer, were the absolute loves of her life.

Words that her children used to describe her were caring, incredible, patient, strong-faithed and humble. Although Shelley’s life with us has come to an end, we should all carry on the kindness and selflessness that she showed to everyone she met.

In addition to her children, grandchildren and sister mentioned, Shelley is additionally survived by her brothers-in-law, James (Kim) Hepler and Dutch (Ann Marie) Hepler; multiple beloved nieces and nephews; many loving friends; but most especially her dear friend, Kathy McCarl.

HEPLER — Family and friends of Shelley Hepler, who died Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001. A prayer service, officiated by Denny Krajacic will immediately follow in the funeral home, with a celebration of life dinner to follow at Unionville Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.