Darlene McNair

Darlene Louise Beedle Abbott McNair, 87, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Big Horn Rehabilitation and Care Center in Sheridan, WY.  She was born on May 20, 1936, in Dickenson, North Dakota to parents Kay Kavanaugh Beedle and Ralph Beedle.

The classic example of a city girl becoming a country – girl, Darlene moved from Tacoma, Washington, to Billings Montana, where she met and married Pistol Abbott in 1958. They had two daughters, Laureen and Kate, living on several ranches around Montana and Wyoming. Darlene was usually the ranch cook and enjoyed fixing meals and baking for the ranch crews. Pistol and Darlene divorced in 1976. She married her life’s love, Vern McNair in 1982. He passed in 2006.

Darlene was part of the crew that helped open Sheridan Kmart, where she worked for 20 years. After four years as a sales associate, Darlene secured her G.E.D. to move into camera and jewelry department manager. She returned to work part-time in the pharmacy, a position she wished she had tried sooner, as she was a good fit and greatly enjoyed it.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Kate Taylor of Sheridan, and son-in-law Gary Dozier of Summerfield, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Vern McNair, daughter Laureen Dozier, grandson Brad Kock, and numerous cats and dogs.

At Darlene’s request, there will not be a service, but an informal gathering will be held at Sheridan Funeral Home at 2:00 P.M., on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

In place of flowers, please consider donating to Sheridan Second Chance Cat Rescue, 1850 Gabrielle Ct, Sheridan, WY 82801, or The Hub Caregiver Support Program, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801 in her honor. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.