Sheila Heriford

Sheila Fae (Oliver) Heriford, 68, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, Missouri surrounded by her family. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home 306 South Second Street Odessa, Missouri 64067. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 11, 2024, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to UMKC Dental Hygienists Alumni Association Scholarship. Memories of Sheila and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524.

Sheila was born in Lexington, Missouri on November 8, 1955, to Cleatys “Pete” Oliver and Evelyn Fae (Moore) Southern. She attended school in Odessa, Missouri and Oak Grove, Missouri before moving to Oklahoma. In 1973, she graduated from Roland High School in Roland, Oklahoma. Sheila and her former husband, JR Hooper, welcomed their first child, Dustin Hooper, in 1981. Their second son, Darren Hooper, joined the family in 1985. In 1998 Sheila received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from UMKC School of Dentistry. Following graduation, she worked as a dental hygienist at the UMKC School of Dentistry faculty practice. For the remainder of her career, Sheila worked at Scott Heriford, DDS in Odessa, Missouri. Sheila was united in marriage on October 28, 2006, to Scott Heriford. They shared 18 years of marriage filled with joy, laughter, and companionship. Sheila's life was filled with love and devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren. Sheila found solace in pursuing her passions for crafting, traveling, and adventurous motorcycle rides with Scott. Sheila had a special way of making everyone feel loved and appreciated. Whether it was through her delicious home-cooked pies (especially her coconut cream pie) or her heartfelt advice, she always made time for those she loved. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she found immense joy in watching them grow. 

Sheila is survived by her loving husband, Scott Heriford of Blue Springs, MO; two children, Dustin Hooper of Odessa, MO and Darren Hooper (Nichelle Carter) of Blue Springs, MO; three step children, Katie (Philip) Snodgrass of Lee’s Summit, MO, Mackenzie (Bradley Wilt) Heriford-Wilt of Lee’s Summit, MO and Landon Heriford of Lee’s Summit, MO; ten grandchildren, Conley, Roman, Aeliana, Mikey, Bexley, Wilder, Kaius, Jack, Brynn, and Lorraine; mother-in-law Claire Heriford, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Along with both her parents, Sheila was preceded in death by her brother, J.W. Miller, stepfather Hugh Southern, and father-in-law Roland Heriford. 

Sheila’s love, quick wit, and resilience will continue to inspire us all. She will always be remembered for the unconditional love she gave to her family. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she created will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.