Martha Louise Ryner, 97, of Helena, died on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at home after an extended illness.

Born in Wheeler County, she lived alternately in Bibb and Wheeler Counties. Living most of her life in Wheeler County, she was a member of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church. She was the daughter of the late James William and Mattie Clark Sheppard.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life Edgar Harris Ryner; sisters, Velma White of Helena, Ida Lee Wood of Macon, Willie Mae Christian of McRae; brothers, James William Sheppard, Jr. of Ivey, Clifford Sheppard of Macon and Bradley Sheppard of Helena.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church and interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The Rev. Donnie Swanson and the Rev. Glen Hancock will officiate.

Survivors include a daughter, Sarah Jane Ryner of Helena, 2 granddaughters, Robyn (David) Spires of Rhine and Jana Williams of McRae; 3 great-grandchildren, Tyler Williams of Rhine, Joley Nicole Williams of McRae and Sarah Kate Williams of McRae; niece, Martha Faye Sheppard Trotter of League City, Texas; several other nieces and nephews also survive.

She worked all her life on the farm. A life that brought her great joy and happiness. She never met a stranger because she loved all people. She loved all children and wanted to keep everyone she met. Louise was a rock to her family. Her strength came from her Lord and Savior and never worried because her faith gave her peace that the Lord was with her and was taking care of her in any situation.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, May 18th in Lowe's Funeral Home.

Please express your condolences at lowesfuneralhome.net

Lowe's Funeral Home of Helena has charge of the arrangements