Verona/Madison-Marcia K. Sheets, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Noel Manor in Verona. She was born on October 26, 1939 in Rockford, Il, the daughter of Clifford and Mildred (Knighton) Nelson. Marcia was raised in Rockford and graduated from Rockford East High School and received a B.S.E. from Drake University in 1961. She was married to Stephen E. Sheets on August 12, 1961.

Marcia was a member of Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison and also Alpha Delta Kappa (professional educators’ sorority). Marcia was an extraordinary volunteer her entire life as evidenced by the partial list below. She volunteered at the church as a Church school teacher, youth group leader, church financial secretary, church clerk, church stewardship committee, church senior choir, interfaith hospitality network and Yakima Youth Mission trip advisor.

She also volunteered in her children’s’, Sue and Jerry, classrooms, Parent Advisory Council MMSD, PTSO President, Attic Angel, RSVP, AARP, Habitat for Humanity, MSCR Pontoon Program, Dane County Parks and Helping elderly neighbors.

Marcia taught in Des Moines, IA for 1 year, Spring Harbor Elementary MMSD for 3 years and was a substitute teacher for 21 years for MMSD elementary grade levels. Marcia was an excellent teacher, loved by her students, their parents, co-workers and administrators. As a substitute teacher she was constantly in demand, completing many “long term” assignments in Madison elementary schools.

Marcia enjoyed traveling and traveled to all 50 states, including lots of camping trips. She took trips with each grandchild to western states to visit national parks. Marcia also traveled abroad, visiting countries such as Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Kenya, Haiti, St. John V.I., Canada and Mexico.

She enjoyed time with her family, participating in the church choir, reading, crossword puzzles, cross stitch, traveling, camping and entertaining her many friends. Marcia was loved and admired for her cheerful warm personality; which even in her struggle with dementia she continued her ever present smile and hugs for her caregivers. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren, and her work in building “stick-by-stick” the house that she and Steve have called home since 1990. She was also a proud Wisconsin Brain Bank donor.

Throughout her life Marcia has been a strong advocate to: protect the environment, care for the poor, embrace diversity, reject racism, forgive often, love God, fight for the powerless, share earthly and spiritual resources AND ENJOY LIFE.

Marcia is survived by her husband, Stephen Sheets; children, Susan M. Sheets and Jerome N. (Karen) Sheets; grandchildren, Ryan Howell, Jordan Sheets, Spencer Jones, Aileen Jones and Nicholas Sheets; brother, James C. Nelson; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Nelson; mother, Mildred (Knighton) Nelson; and sisters-in-law, Judith Sheets and Connie Nelson.

The family offers heartfelt thanks for the loving and compassionate care provided by Dr. Peter Idsvoog, Noel Manor Memory Care especially Kim, Rozina & Connie; and the Heartland Hospice team: Brittney, Shantel, Karla, David, Stephanie, Victoria and Carly.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at ORCHARD RIDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 1501 Gilbert Rd, Madison, with Pastor Winton Boyd and Pastor Tammy Martens presiding.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Marcia’s name to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

608-845-6625

Marcia Sheets

October 26, 1939 - October 17, 2017

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