Ralph Joseph "Joe" Shepherd, of Pagosa Springs, Colorado passed away on August 11, 2026. Born and raised in Atlanta, GA in 1956 to Mary Kent Cartledge Shepherd and Ralph Sims Cartledge. After finishing school, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force and later served his community as a firefighter in Cobb County, Georgia.

Although Joe spent his early years in Atlanta, GA, he was a mountain man at heart. Drawn to the beauty and freedom of the mountains, he eventually made Colorado his home, where he remained for the rest of his life. He loved the outdoors and cherished the Rocky Mountain highs of Colorado. Joe had an immense love for animals and especially enjoyed taking his dogs to the springs for a swim. Joe loved reading, which perfectly complemented his deep appreciation for history.

In true Joe fashion, he spent his later years living on a mountainside in Pagosa Springs, Colorado with his dogs and his books and sharing his daily experiences with his friends and family.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Sims Cartlidge and his mother, Mary Kent Cartledge Shepherd.

He is survived by his daughter, Ivy Scarlett Montano, his granddaughter, Rey Scarlett Montano, his sister, Mary Anne Alford, and niece, Alexandra Brunhoeber.

No formal service will be held. Joe's family will gather privately to share cherished memories, honor his life, and celebrate the time they shared with him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs in Joe's memory.