Darlene Retta (Phipps) Sheridan of Sheldon, MO, 96, passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at her home with family by her side.
She was born in Sheldon, MO on November 30, 1923 to Ezra Phipps and Lila (Sawyer) Phipps. Darlene attended Sheldon grade and high school graduating in 1941.
Following high school, she studied for her teaching certificate at Southwest Missouri Teachers College (now Missouri State University). She then taught in several Vernon County country schools as she continued her education. During WWII, she worked in the Adjutant General’s Office in Kansas City.
She married Theodore (Ted) Sheridan on June 30, 1945 shortly after his return from the war where he had been a Prisoner of War. They lived in Wichita KS for a short time before returning to Sheldon where together they operated Sheridan Farms. Ted passed away on June 13, 1997.
Darlene was editor of the Sheldon Enterprise newspaper for several years before it was sold to the Lamar Democrat. She then was a longtime correspondent to both the Lamar Democrat and Nevada Daily Mail newspaper.
Darlene was a substitute teacher for many years at Sheldon School. She was involved with many civic organizations including: Vernon County Democrats, 4-H, PTA, American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Sheldon Library Board, POW Survivors and Spouses and Sheldon Extension Club, Sheldon Picnic Association, Charter member of Sheldon Housing Corporation and Sheldon Senior Citizens. She was honored as Grand Marshall of both the Sheldon Christmas and Sheldon Picnic parades.
She served for many years as Secretary of the Sheldon School Alumni Association and of the Phipps Family Reunion. She was a life-long member of Sheldon Christian Church. Preservation of the original Sheldon High School building was her most recent project.
Her children and grandchildren were the focus of her life. Her benevolence, commitment, determination and generosity to her family, friends and community are appreciated by all who knew her.
Darlene is survived by her four children. Twin daughters: Delila Brown (Bill) Lee’s Summit MO and Delores Honey (Jim) Carthage, MO. another daughter, Phyllis Sprenkle (Paul), Sheldon, MO and a son, Lynn Sheridan of Nevada, MO. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Vincent Sprenkle, Richland, WA; Darren Rhoden, Deanna Rhoden and Jeff Honey, all of Lee’s Summit, MO; Lora Phelps of Carthage, MO, Quinn Sheridan of Jefferson City, MO and Breanna Sheridan of Los Angeles, CA. Also surviving are12 great grandchildren and a sister, Karen Brooks of Carl Junction MO. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a granddaughter, Valerie Sprenkle; a sister, Wanda Arthur and two infant sisters and an infant brother.
The family thanks Dr. Larry Deffenbaugh, Cox Barton County hospital staff, Karen Sprenkle and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Sheldon Christian Church. Interment with Eastern Star services will follow in Sheldon Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday evening, March 6 from 6-8:00 p.m.at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Memorials are suggested to Sheldon Christian Church or Sheldon Revitalization Association for Sheldon school building preservation.
Memorials are suggested to Sheldon Christian Church or Sheldon Revitalization Association for Sheldon school building preservation.
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