Mary Ellen Sheard of Eureka Springs, Arkansas was born on October 19, 1928, at her grandmother’s home in Kit Carson County, Colorado to David and Edna (Scruby) Bretthauer. Mary passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Bentonville, Arkansas at the age of 94.

Prior to her life in Eureka Springs, Mary Ellen had a banking carrier that she was very proud of covering six states. Next becoming a longtime valued member of the Eureka Spring community, a member of the Antiques Dealers Association and owner of Crystal Gardens Antiques. She was very knowledgeable about antiques and had customers from all over the world. She was a long-time faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka Springs, serving as an Elder and Sessions Member. Mary was also the first female president of the Eureka Springs Rotary Club and a member of the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce.

She is survived by her son, Michael Sheard of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; her sister who turned 103, Loretta Saracino of Denver, Colorado; grandsons, Brandon Sheard and Benjamin Sheard and his wife Samantha; nieces, Cheryl Lewis and Patrice Matteson; daughter-inlaw, Libby Brandon Sheard.

Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her son, Gregory Alan Sheard; parents, David and Edna Bretthauer; brothers, Ted and Dale Bretthauer; and benefactors and grandparents in love to the boys, Esther and Walt Padgett.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka Springs with Rev. John Arnold officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Eureka Springs Rotary Club, P.O. Box 686, Eureka Springs, AR 72632. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.