Sherla Mae (Pipkin) Parks passed on to her heavenly home Jan. 29 at the age of 94.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daryl; parents, Albert and Clara Pipkin; brother, Carl Duane Pipkin; and grandson, Carl Duane Parks. She leaves behind her children, Jerald D. Parks (Debra) of Wellington, Judith E. Akins (Terry) of Victor, Colo., Brenda K. Parks (Michael Freeman) of Wichita, and Douglas S. Parks of Tucson, Ariz.; six grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren' and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Sherla learned to sew at a youthful age while growing up in Cheney, becoming an expert seamstress and crafter. It gave her great joy to work alongside friends and share her creations with others that have now become treasured keepsakes. Her piano skills were exceptional as well. She was instrumental in fundraising, planning, and organizing the Class of 1947 Greyhound bus trip to California. One little known fact about Sherla is that she wrote the Cheney High School song while in study hall.

She enjoyed traveling, seeing new sights, fellowshipping with her friends from church and being with her family. There was nothing she couldn’t do or make and was always on the go, right up until a few weeks before her passing. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and be a blessing to others. Passing through many of life’s trials, she always persevered with a positive attitude. Many a time did her children hear said of her how sweet she was. She left this life with the testimony of Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Burial will be in the Pioneer Cemetery north of Cheney, alongside Daryl and close to other family members. A celebration of life is being planned for early summer. Gifts of memorial may be made to Word Made Flesh Assembly, 136 N. Wichita Ave., Bentley, KS 67016.