Sharon Sue Worden

Sharon Sue Worden, age 85, of Chatfield, Minn., died Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

Time stood still when Sharon Sue Allen was born December 31, 1939, at home near Everly, Iowa. She was the youngest of 11 children to Milo Guy Allen and Anna Philomena (Loch) Allen. The family moved to Chatfield in 1950. Her mother died suddenly when she was just a little girl. She worked at the Hotel Chatfield and Rex Café in Chatfield. She graduated from Chatfield High School in 1958. After graduation Sharon moved to Rochester, Minn., and worked for the Kahler Corporation doing office work. Sharon met the love of her life, Florance Worden, and they were united in marriage on September 25, 1959. They made a life together spanning 64 years until Florance’s death in 2023. Sharon had many jobs around the area, raised three boys and filled her time generously volunteering for various organizations including Land O’ Lakes and Fillmore County 4-H. Her faith sustained her through many trials of life, and she was a faithful member of Chatfield Lutheran Church. She held various positions there including teaching Sunday School, Stephen’s Ministry, and the Executive Council. She also helped create the first preschool in Chatfield. Her love of playing cards included club membership with friends one Saturday night a month for almost 40 years. She played cards literally until the day she died. Her passion for good food also sent her in many directions. She volunteered with the Fillmore County American Dairy Association in the early 1980s providing food samples of new dairy products, which landed her a job working for Tombstone Pizza handing out samples. She was later employed by Cub Foods and Sam’s Club as Food Demonstrations Coordinator. She eventually retired from the Walmart Corporation. After that, donating her time to local organizations including Help Our Neighbors, Meals on Wheels, and the Chatfield Visitors Center. She loved traveling, trips to the casino, Western Days parades and bingo in the park, cooking and baking for others (many in the area have been recipients of her wonderful treats). Her apple crisp, brownies, banana cream pie and Christmas cut-out cookies are among the favorites. Above all, she loved spending time with her family. She will always be remembered as a teacher if you were willing to listen to her life lessons.

Sharon is survived by her brother Wayne Allen and sister-in-law Aletha Allen, children Tim (Susie) of Hector, Minn., Tom (Melissa) of Rochester, Minn., and Steve (Wendy) of Chatfield, Minn.; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Florance; her parents; stepmother Helen Allen; great-grandson Wallace Worden; and brothers and sisters: Clara, Cora, Eunice, Milo Jr., Matthew, Dale, Betty, Robert, and George.

A funeral service will be held Monday, August 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Chatfield Lutheran Church with Pastor Paul Hauschild officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Chatfield Lutheran Church in Chatfield and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. Interment will be held at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Preston.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren Jessica, Patrick, Samantha, Lindsey, Madalyn and Alexandria. 

A special thank you to Chosen Valley Care Center, Mayo Clinic Hospice and special neighbors Collin and Sheryl Bennett who she referred to as “angels sent from Heaven.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Chatfield Lutheran Church or the Chosen Valley Care Center Ice Cream Machine fund.

Hoff Funeral Home of Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left for the family at www.hofffuneral.com.