Sharlyn L. Chitwood, the daughter of Nellie Slemp and Frank Hodge, was born on a chilly, crisp day on October 28, 1945, over the Downtowner “beer joint” right here in Tarkio, Missouri. There was even a red wig for her to wear had she have not been born with red hair. A dresser drawer was her bed. Sharlyn attended Tarkio Elementary School, then later Rock Port High School, graduating in 1963. She later attended Caster’s Beauty School, St. Joseph, Missouri, graduating in 1971.

On December 22, 1971, Sharlyn was united in marriage to William Darel Chitwood at the First Christian Church in Rock Port. She then became mom to James and Debbie. Then the following year, they became the parents to Tammy. The couple made their home in Rock Port until 1979, before moving to Tarkio where they lived till the present time.

At the age of 15, Sharlyn started working for Cecil and Jessie Green at Green’s Café in Rock Port for 10 years. After receiving her beauty license, she then worked at Bev’s Beauty Bar, Rock Port, Edna Smith’s Beauty Shop and Modern Beauty Shop, Tarkio. Sharlyn then established a business of her own, Sharlyn’s Beauty Den in 1975. First starting out as a rental unit located at 406 Main Street. Then in 1989, she purchased the building that we all know and love at 306 Main Street. In 2019, she hung up her cape and laid down her scissors to spend more time with her family.

Sharlyn was known for her radiant smile that she always wore and her willingness to help anyone anyway she could. Sharlyn’s love for the public was shown by her nearly 60 years of dedicated service. This love for the public was only surpassed by her unbreakable bond with her two sisters, Joanne and Diana.

Sharlyn was a member of the Assembly of God Church and also a proud member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, Heartland Chapter, both of Tarkio. Sharlyn passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, in Camdenton, Missouri, at the age of 76 surrounded by her loved ones in her lake home.

Besides her parents, Orville “Buck” and Nellie Slemp and Frank and Lucille “Red” Hodge, Sharlyn was preceded in death by siblings, Lynath Wells, Joanne Cook, and Carl “Totsey” Hodge; nephews, Andy and James Wallace, and niece, Betty Mae Wallace.

Survivors include husband, Darel Chitwood, Tarkio; children, James Chitwood, Debbie Williams, both of King City, Missouri, and Tammy (Tim) Moore, Camdenton, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Kacie Jo (Michael) Simon, O’Fallon, Missouri, Jesse (Patience) Chitwood and Kaylee Thomas, King City, Heather Nelson and Christopher Nelson, St. Joseph, Zachary Rector, San Diego, California, Takoda Moore and Aliceson Moore, Camdenton; 15 great grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Leila) Hodge, Westboro, Missouri, Diana (Andy) Wallace, Fairfax, Missouri, Steve Hodge and Ruth Ann Barbosa, both of Tarkio; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 21, 2022, Assembly of God Church, Tarkio.

Open visitation begins 9:00 A.M., Friday, May 20, Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio, where the family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 P.M.

Interment: Home Cemetery, Tarkio.

Memorials: Sharlyn Chitwood Memorial Fund.

Arrangements: Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio

www.minterfuneralchapels.com