Virena DeShay Warden, lovingly known as "Shady", passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the age of 71. She was born on June 10, 1954, in Sikeston, Missouri, to the late Willard Lee McCain and Nina Irene (Caldwell) McCain.
Shady grew up in Arcadia Valley, where she graduated high school in 1972. On June 24, 1983, she married Danny Warden, and together they built a loving home filled with laughter, faith, and family. Danny preceded her in death in October 2024, and their life together remains a cherished part of her story.
Throughout her life, Shady worked various jobs, but her greatest joy was found in being a homemaker, wife, momma, and grandma. Later in life, she pursued her passion for helping others by attending Mineral Area College and earning her Bachelor’s Degree as a Registered Nurse. She dedicated around 10 years to hospice care, offering comfort and compassion to many before choosing to return home to care for her own family.
Shady had a servant’s heart. She loved working with children and served faithfully as a Vacation Bible School Director and Bible Drill Instructor, helping young ones learn God’s Word. She and her family attended Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Shady was talented and enjoyed singing Gospel hymns and playing the piano. Her favorite book of the Bible was James, and she lived out its teachings through her kindness, perseverance, and faith.
A gifted cook, Shady was known for her delicious chicken ’n’ dumplings, dressing, fried pies, and blackberry dumplings. She enjoyed sewing, canning, tinkering, and staying busy with projects around her home. Always on the hunt for a good bargain, she loved yard selling and sharing her finds. With a fun-loving personality and joyful spirit, Shady brought warmth and laughter wherever she went.
Those left to cherish her memory include her four children: Christina & Scot Baughman of Aloha, OR; Amy & Garry, Jr. Moore of Ellington, MO; Jeremy & Amie Warden of Spokane, WA; and Shanda & Vaughn "Sprout" Martin of Black, MO; her grandchildren: Alex & Tuscany Puig, Mackenzee & Rob Lane, Gary III & Brooklyn Moore, Mallory Baughman, Cameron Baughman, Nathan Martin, Wade Baughman, Collyer & Brooke Maize, Landon Martin, Talyah Maize, Cierra Jones, and Avery Hobert; and great-grandchildren Viktor, Vincent, and Amelia.
She is also survived by her siblings: Darlene Ruble, Will & Teresa McCain, Nancy & Matthew Woodcock, Phil & Jane Summers, and John Summers; In-Laws: Sam & Gail Warden, Craig Wickham, Phyllis Warden, and Judy Warden; along with many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.
Shady was preceded in death by her parents, Willard & Nina McCain; her beloved husband, Danny Warden; her granddaughter, Aspen Balee Maize; her sister, Leslie Wickham; and In-Laws Glenn Ruble and Leisa Summers.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at DeClue Funeral Home beginning at 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Shady's brother, Will McCain officiating. Interment and final prayers will take place at Liberty Baptist Cemetery in Belgrade, Missouri.
Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.
Shady will be deeply missed for her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, and the joyful smile she shared with all who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
301 E. High Street, Potosi, MO 63664

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