Darlene Mardell Wardlow

Darlene Mardell Wardlow, 86, of New Castle, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Henry Community Hospital. She was born on May 23, 1937, in Mishawaka, Indiana, a daughter of the late Howard Richard “H.R.” and Arietta May (Nichols) Shock. Darlene graduated from Muncie Burris Laboratory School and attended college at Indiana University East and Anderson University. Darlene married the love of her life, Lowell Wardlow, on August 18, 1972. She became the first Director of the Sheltered Workshop for Henry County Mentally Challenged Citizens in 1973. Darlene was a New Castle State Hospital team leader for eight years. She also worked in social services and nursing home administration in New Mexico and Texas until retirement. Darlene served as president of the PTA at Sunnyside Elementary and was the president of the PTA City Council. She enjoyed watching sports, going on cruises with her husband, and watching her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She is survived by her children: Brent Grider of New Castle, Nesa Grider (David Hoagland) of Granbury, TX, Kent (Janice) Grider of Connersville, Trent (Staci) Grider of Highland, Lenny Grider of Lewisville, TX, and Ehrin Wardlow of Auckland, New Zealand. Darlene was step-mom to David (Janell) Wardlow of New Castle, Greg (Brenda) Wardlow of New Castle, Valerie (Rick) Welch of Losantville, and Gwen Fry of Albemarle, NC; two brothers, Drew (Jackie) Shock of Ely, MN and Darrell (Anne) Shock of Fountain Hills, AZ; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; a sister-in-law, Anolie Cody of Xenia, OH and two brothers-in-law, Larry (JoAnne) Wardlow of Manchester, TN and O’Neil Witt of New Castle. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Lowell Wardlow, on October 19, 2018; two grandsons, Jason Wardlow and Daniel Seth Fry; a son-in-law, Daniel Fry; three brothers-in-law, Macy and Donald Wardlow and Robert Cody; two sisters-in-law, Reba Witt and JoAnne Wardlow. Services will be held privately, with burial following at Mooreland Cemetery. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Darlene Wardlow.

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Darlene Mardell Wardlow

May 23, 1937 - May 9, 2024