Ellen Shepard

Ellen Shepard is a wife and mother in Odyssey, married to Ben Shepard and raising two daughters, Aubrey and Bethany. She and Ben have come to Christian faith as adults, and it now shapes how they run their home. They homeschool Aubrey, keep the family active in church life, and are willing to take unpopular stands. When a play mocks their beliefs, the two forbid Aubrey the lead role and threaten to resign from the playhouse board over it. Ellen has a playful side as well. She happily sets teacups for Bethany's imaginary guests and even welcomes one of Aubrey's old make-believe friends to the table. Her parents, Frank and Betty, can still embarrass her, and she admits she has spent years dodging them. Family, more than anything, defines her.