Obituaries

Darlene C. Shughart

DARLENE C. SHUGHART, beloved wife, mother, and grammy, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 20, 1930, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to J. Marshall and Lottie G. Reese Sanders, and was one of five siblings. Darlene graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1948, and on July 20, 1949, she entered marriage with her beloved husband, Albert W. Shughart. Together, they shared many years of love and companionship and were the proud parents of nine children. Family was the cornerstone of Darlene’s life, and she embraced her role as the matriarch with grace and devotion. She found joy in the simple pleasures, often spending her leisure time enjoying the Game Show Network, solving crossword puzzles, and reveling in the timeless melodies of Dean Martin. Her fondness for Pepe’ Le Pew cartoons brought laughter and warmth to those around her. During World War II, Darlene’s adventurous spirit led her to play baseball for the Gettysburg Police Department—a testament to her courage and love for sports. She was also a faithful member of the Open-Door Baptist Church, where her unwavering faith provided solace and strength. Darlene had a special fondness for nature, eagerly anticipating the return of hummingbirds each spring—a sight that brought her immense joy and wonder. To her cherished grandchildren and all who knew her, she was affectionately known as “Grammy,” a title that epitomized her nurturing and loving spirit. Darlene leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. While she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Albert who sadly passed on June 30, 2007, sons Stephen and James Shughart, brother James Sanders, and sister Dorothy Perfetti. Left to cherish her memory with love and admiration are her sons Les (Linda) Shughart of Weirton and Timothy Shughart of Weirton, daughters Paula (Larry) Stevens of Toronto, OH., Teresa (Edi) Appling of Valdosta, GA., Elaine Stinnett of Maryville, TN., Tris (Chuck) Rhoads of Enola, PA., Jennifer (Doug) Debnar of Weirton, brother Donald (Sandra) Sanders of Augusta, ME., 18 grandchildren, 31great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Friends were invited to visit with Darlene’s family on Thursday, May 2, 2024 until the time of the funeral service at the Open Door Baptist Church, Colliers, with Pastor Larry Garrison officiating. Darlene was buried next to her husband Albert at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Darlene’s name to the Open Door Baptist Church. Share online condolences at www.grecohertnick.com.