Sarah T. Shepherd
September 2, 1935 – February 19, 2026

Sarah T. Shepherd passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 2, 1935, in Weslaco, Texas, Sarah was the eldest child of Fidel and Valentina Torres. From an early age, she learned the value of hard work in thefields of Texas — a work ethic that would define her entire life.

In the early 1950s, Sarah moved with her parents and siblings to Sanger, California. In the mid-1950s, the family relocated to Sunnyvale, California, where Sarah worked in local packing houses before beginning a career that placed her at the forefront of a technological revolution.
In the 1960s, Sarah worked for Signetics Corporation in Palo Alto, California — part of what would later become known as Silicon Valley, long before it carried that name. As a supervisor, she was responsible for checking and overseeing the work of others assembling small computer components. Her precision, leadership, and strong sense of responsibility earned her the respect of her peers. After resettling in Clovis, California, Sarah began her long and distinguished career with Kmart in the 1970s. Most of her years were spent at the original Kmart store located at Blackstone and Bullard in Fresno. She first managed the baby department and was later promoted to Personnel Manager in the mid-1970s. Sarah was a highly valued and respected employee, known for her integrity, diligence, and commitment to excellence — qualities rooted in her early days working alongside her family in the fields.

In the late 1970s, Sarah married James "Jim" Stairs and remained faithfully by his side until his passing in 1998. Later in life, she married Donald Shepherd, whom she loved very much. Together they shared companionship and devotion until his passing. Both marriages were meaningful
chapters of her life, marked by loyalty, love, and partnership.

Above all, Sarah was devoted to her family. She is survived by her children: Edward Carrillo of Sanger, James Carrillo of Sanger, Scott Shepherd of Madera, and Linda Carrillo of Sanger; her brothers: Jerry Torres of Turlock, Lupe Trevino of Hanford and Ruben Trevino of Madera. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren who will forever carry her strength, resilience, and love in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fidel and Valentina Torres; her sisters, Alice Torres of Clovis and Lupe Pendergraft of Clovis; her husband, James Stairs; and her beloved husband, Donald Shepherd.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 13th at 10:00 AM at the Sanger Cemetery, followed by a luncheon celebration of life at the Sanger Woman's Club. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Sarah's life together.

Sarah's life was a testament to perseverance, leadership, and deep devotion to family. From the fields of Texas to the early days of Silicon Valley, and through decades of service with the Kmart Corporation, she built a legacy defined by hard work and unwavering love.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
— Proverbs 31:25

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.