Darleen Schunk entered the gates of heaven to reside with her Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 75, surrounded by the family she cherished.
Darleen was born in Sheridan, WY to George and Violet (Lupton) Schreibeis on September 4, 1933. She grew up on Lower Tongue River where she attended grade school in Acme and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1951.
Darleen married Ed Barbula, February 23, 1952 and moved to their dairy farm south of Sheridan. They had five children together before divorcing. On May 28th 1988, she married William Schunk and continued to live on the farm; successfully running the dairy until 1997.
God gave Darleen the gifts of serving and hospitality. Whenever someone was in need, she was there with a meal, encouragement or to lend a helping hand. Not only did she raise her five children, but she had a huge influence on so many other young lives, taking them under her wing as her own. Her 25 years as a 4-H leader serves as an example of this priority. Darleen was very involved in the community, serving in many different positions for the Banner Community and Banner Homemaker Clubs for over 50 years. She received statewide recognition with the Susan J Quealy Award from the Wyoming Association for Family and Community Education. In addition, she served others by cooking at the Soup Kitchen for many years.
She lived for the holidays or any event that would bring the family together for a meal. And oh what a spread of food she would make! Among many other interests were her love of sports, gardening, reading and dedication to water exercise.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Lloyd Schreibeis; grandsons Jake Black and David Barbula.
Darleen is survived by her husband Bill; two brothers, Gene Schreibeis (Bonnie) Worland and Norman Schreibeis (Cheryl) Sheridan; her children Larry Barbula (Mary) Sheridan, Nancy Barbula, Billings, MT, Don Barbula (Cheryl) Denver, CO, Chuck Barbula (Renny) Sheridan and Jamie Barbula (Maria) Livingston, MT; stepdaughters Debbie Brooks, Teri Steed (Doug), Theresa Pape (Ken), all of Pocatello, ID and Billie Misevcis (Robert) Catskill, NY; grandchildren Griffin Barbula (Audrey), Leah Hein (Brad), Lucas Barbula, Ryan Barbula, Patrick Lewis, Sean Barbula, Keaten Barbula; step grandchildren Jared Brooks, Jordan Brooks, Allan Steed and Michelle Steed.
In September, her family threw a surprise party honoring her 75th Birthday. What a wonderful celebration of her life.
A heartfelt thanks from the family goes out to the staff at Sheridan Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion.
Darleen has been a long time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday (Dec. 11th) with Pastor Kirk Peters officiating. Interment will be in Quiet Rest Cemetery, Story, WY. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Banner Community Club c/o of Bea Hutson, 3472 Hwy 87, Sheridan, WY or the Soup Kitchen c/o 1st Congregational Church, 100 W Works, Sheridan, WY 82801.
SheridanMedia.com - December 8, 2008