OAKWOOD – Shirley J. Sharp, 90, of Oakwood, Ohio, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother passed away surrounded by her family on November 22, 2024. Born on December 5, 1933, in Angola, Indiana, Shirley was a passionate book reader who frequented her local library weekly, often reading 5 to 6 books at a time. She was also a gardening enthusiast who loved picking flowers from her rose bushes and lilac tree. Shirley was an avid bird watcher, with a particular soft spot for hummingbirds. She was a die-hard fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, often cheering loudly from her living room recliner.
A faithful believer in Christ, Shirley was a long-time member of Oakwood Community Church, where she served on the administrative board in various capacities, sang in the choir, led the youth group, and also taught Sunday School for many years. Before her retirement in 2000, she worked at the former Zeller Corporation in Defiance and was a proud member of the Local 1298 UAW where she held many leadership positions. Shirley also served as a volunteer EMT for the Oakwood Fire Department and was a member of their Women’s Auxiliary.
Shirley’s family meant everything to her. She is survived by her children, Greg (Marcia) Sharp, Shelly Sharp, Sherry (Bud) Schilt, and Jeffrey (Jason Ponder) Sharp; grandchildren, Bryan (Cynthia) Sharp, Holly Schilt, Justus (Mindy) Sharp, Heath (Jill) Schilt, Alexis (Camilo) Acosta, Tyson Schilt, and Charity (Michael) Woodard; great-grandchildren, Austin, Elizabeth, Isabella, Audrey, Sebastian, Kaden, Ella, Kristen, Maddox, Aden, Crew, and Norris; great-great-grandchildren, Solandis, Lincoln, and Ocean; her siblings Van (Theresa) Powell, Linda (Jon Dee) Mautz, Barbara (Barry) Michaels, and Paul King; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Powell and Otto King; her sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Robert Sanderson; her grandson, Jeremy Sharp; and her great-grandson, Jonathan Sharp-Blancarte.
A funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Oakwood Community Church in Oakwood with Pastor Bud Larimore officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the church. She will be laid to rest in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. Arrangements are under the direction of HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Oakwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oakwood Community Church, Cooper Community Library, or CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center.
Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com
