Sheila Diane (Appleby) Maranto

Sheila Diane (Appleby) Maranto, 78, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and unwavering devotion to her family. A cherished mother, Nanny, and friend, Sheila’s life was a testament to nurturing others and trusting God through every season.

She was the proud and devoted mother of eight children and the adoring Nanny of nineteen grandchildren. Her family was her heart and her greatest accomplishment. She created a home filled with warmth, good food, laughter, and the comforting assurance that no matter what, you were deeply loved. Her children and grandchildren will forever remember her steady presence, her wise counsel, and the countless sacrifices she made so they could flourish.

A faithful Christian woman, Sheila leaned on her faith through life’s joys and its many hardships. She overcame difficult seasons with quiet strength and grace, modeling perseverance and trust in the Lord for everyone around her. Her church community meant the world to her. She treasured her dear church friends, especially the memories they made together when their children were young - pig roasts, camping trips, and good old gospel singing around campfires. Those friendships were woven into the fabric of her life and brought her immense joy.

Sheila had a gift for nurturing, and that gift extended far beyond her own family. For many years, she worked at a daycare, lovingly caring for babies and children as if they were her own. Generations of little ones were blessed by her patience, gentleness, and tender care.

She was incredibly talented with her hands. Sheila loved to cook and was known for her delicious meals that brought everyone to the table. She found joy in crafts, she made amazing wreaths for many, sewing, baking, and beautifully decorating cakes for her kids and grandkids birthdays - often creating something special simply to make someone smile. Her creativity was just another way she expressed love.

After long days spent caring for little ones, she enjoyed simple moments of rest - settling in to watch “Reba” or “The Voice”, content after a day well spent serving others.

Her life was lived in service. She gave freely, loved deeply, and put others before herself time and time again. Though her passing leaves an ache in the hearts of those who knew her, her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, her beloved church friends, and the many families whose lives she touched.

She was born on January 2, 1948 in New Albany, Indiana to William and Virginia (Allen) Appleby. In addition to her parents, Sheila was preceded in death by her brother, Scott Appleby.

Sheila is survived by her children, Candace Campbell, David "Corky" Hendrix (Melissa), Cary Hendrix (Kelly), Shawn Hendrix, Tony Maranto, Barry Maranto, Tabitha Pangburn (Matt), Mary Hornaday (KJ); 19 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sherry Benton (Myron), Sandra Schad, Susie Barela; brother, Steve Appleby; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany) and continue on Friday after 9:00 a.m. Her funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home with burial to follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.