Marilyn Madonna Sheets

Marilyn M. Sheets of Upland, California, went to be with the Lord on October 7th, 2024, at the age of 93.  She was born in Elwood, Indiana in 1931 to Clyde and Thelma Henderson.

She graduated from Elwood High School in 1949, where she excelled in music, playing the clarinet as well as the piano. Marilyn loved music her whole life and often took the chance to play piano at every opportunity. Her signature piece was “Clair de Lune” which she played so beautifully.

Marilyn was also a talented Dancer and loved to talk about the time she and her partner, Keith Lytle, did an exhibition dance in front of Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra before a crowd in Indianapolis.

Marilyn was previously married to Robert Norman Sheets. In the early 60’s, they moved their family to Montclair, California and she took a job with the Ontario Post office. Marilyn was transferred as one of the first employees to work at the new Montclair Post Office, once its construction was completed. She was also commended as being the first Woman to drive a US mail truck! Marilyn had many stories to tell and was even involved with an FBI sting operation at her office.  She was proud of her career and rightfully so, ultimately retiring after 37 years of service.  

Of all things, her real Heart was Family, Kids and Grandkids. She loved spending time together at Birthday parties and Holidays. One of her favorite places to travel was the Santa Barbara coast, which usually was shared with her grandkids. Marilyn was also an excellent cook and would host many of the family events on a grand scale. Her homemade variety of Christmas treats was a much-anticipated tradition heading into the Holiday Season.

She had a great sense of humor and became a very passionate reader in her restful years. She absolutely loved reading Fannie Flagg’s novels depicting life in the 1940’s and 50’s, much like her own. She was comforted by her Bible.

Marilyn is survived by her Daughter Linda Ramsey of Washington, Julie Sheets of California, Adele Westerlink of California and Brian Sheets of Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her Son Michael Sheets of California. She had 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Surviving Siblings include Rosemary Hileman of Indiana, Jackie Gilbert of California and Larry Henderson of Louisiana. She was preceded in Death by her sister Janice Adams of California.

Marilyn was aware of this special long- life she was blessed with and enjoyed looking back and reminiscing, like it all happened Yesterday. What a wonderful and giving Mother, Grandmother and friend you have been. Know that you are so loved and missed now. God Bless You.

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