Independence, KS - Connie Jean Sherlock, age 79, of Independence, Kansas, passed away March 21, 2026, at Olathe Hospice House, Olathe, Kansas. Connie was born September 11, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Russell Benson and Nettie (Miller) Benson.

Connie received an associate's degree from York College, York, Nebraska. She continued her studies at Oklahoma Christian College, Edmond, Oklahoma, and she received a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She taught many years at Columbia Christian, Portland, Oregon. Following teaching, she became a designer and maker of Americana arts and crafts, composed of various dolls, patterns, stitcheries, and quilts. Later, she designed websites.

Connie and David Dale Sherlock were married August 27, 1966, in Baldwin City, Kansas. He passed August 13, 2018.

Connie touched many lives through her generosity of time and presence. She was active in various crafting and quilting communities, and she inspired her grandchildren to be crafters. Connie was a member of the church of Christ, where she taught Bible classes, wrote vacation Bible school material, and supported her husband as a preacher. Connie has been featured in various magazines showcasing her patterns and books.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Ronnie Benson, Rusty Benson; and sister-in-law, Cindy McGill.

Connie is survived by her children, Kimberly Waggoner, Shawn (Beth Follmer) Sherlock; grandchildren, Leslie (Weston) Vanderpool, Jessica Newkirk, Michael P. Waggoner, Rebbecca (Michael) Kessler, Anna Waggoner; great-grandchildren, Cole and Jordan Vanderpool, David Newkirk, Arisbeth, Felicity, and Elowyn Kessler; siblings, Dennis (Dorcus) Benson, Judy Benson, Richard (Samantha) Benson, brother-in-law, Stuart (Rhonda) Sherlock, sister-in-law, Kay Benson; numerous nieces and nephews, and many adopted children and grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in The Venue at Feueborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas.

A funeral service will be Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in the chapel at Feuerborn family Funeral Service. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Animals With Our Love Humane Society, Independence, Kansas, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.