Sheila Irene Dedrick

Our beloved Sheila was born on Nov. 28, 1937 in Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, England. In her own words, she was a “Norfolk Broad”. She passed away on January 12, 2025 at the age of 87 in Apple Valley, California. We celebrate the life of this remarkable woman.

In 1977, she moved to California to marry the love of her life, Ray Dedrick who had been stationed in England with the Air Force when they met. When she discovered that her English RN License wasn’t valid in the US, that didn’t stop her. She went back to college and was awarded a State of California Nursing degree in 1992. Ray and Sheila were married for 47 years.

Sheila was a registered nurse (RN) in England and California for over 50 years and finally retired at the age of 78 in 2017. She cared for so many patients over the years, in every department of the hospitals she worked in. She was very well respected and ran a tight ship as the night charge nurse at the Victor Valley Hospital.

A proud moment for Sheila was when she became a Naturalized American Citizen in 1986. Never forgetting for a moment her English heritage, she embraced life in California and dedicated her life to helping others.

Sheila is now reunited with her husband, Ray, who passed away in 2023, and their faithful 4-legged companion, Schnoodies.

Missing her dearly is her stepdaughter, Gina Dedrick Casarez and husband Robert of Wimberley, Texas; stepson, Steve Dedrick of Longmont, Colorado, grandson Rob Casarez of San Marcos, Texas, granddaughter Chanele Villasenor and husband Carlos of San Antonio, Texas. In England, she is survived by her son Tim Fennell and wife Leanne; grandson Lewis Fennell and granddaughter Ellice Whatling. Also son Stephen Fennell of Dubai and granddaughters Tess Fennell and Lisa Burgess. Her dearest sister, Jean Gooda, who went on so many travel adventures with Sheila and her brother Mike Kippen and wife Michele, who all had come to visit Ray and Sheila in California.

We are deeply grateful for the friendship and support of Ronnie and Eileen Most of Apple Valley, who were angels on earth when Dad died and continued to help Sheila to the end.

No services are planned. If you wish to donate in Sheila’s memory, her favorite charity was the Red Cross.

Please visit Dignity Memorial’s website to view photos. ……………….