A. Sharlene Branch, 81 of Rio and formerly of London Mills, passed away at 4:55 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at the home of her granddaughter, Carla (and Nicholas) Yeast, where she and her husband Paul had resided the past year.
She was born October 13, 1941 in Avon, the daughter of Charles Eldon and Alice Virginia (Shaver) Ford. She married F. Paul Branch on December 22, 1958 in Lewistown, Illinois.
Sharlene is survived by her husband, Paul; her children, Tanya (Carl) Brown of Wapello, Iowa, Mark (Janet) Branch of Fairfield, Iowa, F. Paul (Debbie) Branch, Jr. of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Terry (Susan) Branch of the state of Florida; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one great-great grandchild, two brothers, Ronnie & Richard and one sister, Bonnie.
She lived in London Mills for several years and later in Poplar Bluff, Missouri before moving in with her granddaughter. She was a beautician/cosmetologist for 20 years. She then worked as a semi driving team with her husband and then worked as a bus driver for Spoon River Valley Schools. She was also a former Mayor of London Mills. She was of the Christian faith and attended the Coal Creek Bible Church near London Mills. She enjoyed reading her Bible. Her greatest joy was having her family together and cooking for them. She also enjoyed crafting and “binge watching” tv shows.
As she requested, cremation will be accorded. Her family will celebrate her life privately. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting with cremation arrangements.
Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice in care of Carla Yeast, PO Box 17, Rio, IL 61472. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
