Sheila Ann Staples, born on April 30, 1947, at Siren Hospital, Siren, Wisconsin, to Wally and Helen Staples, peacefully passed away on Jan. 2, 2025. She was a lifelong resident of Lewis, Wisconsin, and a beloved member of her community.
Sheila attended Lewis School from grades 1-8 and grew up living in the “red shed” next to the Lewis Memorial Methodist Church, where she was confirmed and remained a member for the rest of her life. She graduated from Frederic High School in 1965, and the following year, began her career in secretarial and administrative positions before pursuing further education at Polk County Teachers College. After two years, Sheila began her teaching journey in Hartford, Wisconsin, and later taught at St. Louis of the Bay in Superior, Wisconsin, and St. Francis Solanus Mission in Reserve, Wisconsin. She continued her education earning a bachelor’s degree from UW-River Falls and a master’s degree from UW-Stout.
In 1978, Sheila began working at Siren Schools, where she would spend the majority of her career, affectionately known as “Stapes”. Sheila served as a librarian, forensics coach, library club advisor, organizer of the school’s concession stand and a constant presence at school events. She and her best friend, Rick Abrahamson, helped countless students by stocking a closet with essentials like socks, shoes, jackets and mittens to provide for students in need, offering their support without ever expecting anything in return. Her field trips, club activities and foreign travel trips with students were legendary for the fun all the students had.
Sheila taught at Siren Schools for 31 years, retiring for one year before returning to teach for another year. Afterward, she continued her service as a substitute teacher. She made lasting connections with her students, many of whom stayed in touch long after graduation. Sheila’s kindness, generosity, and dedication to her students earned her many lifelong friendships.
Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Wally and Helen Staples; her paternal grandparents, Fred and Eda Staples; her maternal grandparents, Ed and Selma Westland; her close cousin, Jim Olson; and several aunts and uncles. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her many friends, students, and loved ones.
A Celebration of Shelia’s Life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Siren Senior Community Center (23943 WI-35, Siren, Wisconsin, 54872).
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, Wisconsin, nwwicremationcenter.com.
