Sharon J. Sharp, 66, of Janesville, a mom who always cared, a grandma who always was there, and a great-grandma who will always be there looking down on all of us, died Saturday, July 16, 2011, at home, surrounded by her family.
The daughter of Howard and Emma Alberta (Lombard) Sullivan, she was born in Ontario on Feb. 10, 1945. Sharon attended Sparta High School but had been a Janesville resident most of her adult life. She married Eugene E. Erickson and later married Roger Allen Sharp on June 17, 1972; he preceded her in death Feb. 25, 1994. Sharon worked for JCPenney, the Boston Store and Senior Services of Rock County. She also managed the VFW Club for many years. She was a member of the Faith Community Church. Sharon enjoyed bingo, her many trips to Las Vegas, fishing and, most of all, cooking for family and friends.
Sharon is survived by her two daughters, Lori Knapp and Deborah Messner, both of Janesville; a stepson, Shawn (Barbara) Sharp of Janesville; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Angie, Brittany, Bryan, Brock, Nicholas and Nathan; two great-grandchildren, Kiley and Rowan; a sister, Bernadine Hutchens of Ontario; a sister-in-law, Elaine Sullivan of Quinnesec, Mich.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and a longtime companion, Richard Heinert of Janesville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger; a brother, John Sullivan; and a brother-in-law, Harry Downing.
A funeral service was July 19 at Faith Community Church, Janesville, with the Rev. Jerry Dean officiating. Burial was in the Milton Lawn Memorial Park, Janesville. Schneider Apfel Schneider & Schneider Funeral Home, Janesville, assisted the family with arrangements.
She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
