Sharon I. Shively

When reflecting on the life of Sharon Shively, it is easy to see that her faith and the love for her family were her greatest gifts. She was selfless when it came to others, and her generosity was truly unmatched. Sharon was thrilled to be a mother, but she just may have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother. The sort of woman who never met a stranger, everyone seemed to know Sharon in the community she called home throughout the majority of her life. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

Amidst an eventful time, the year was 1944 when Walter and Isabelle (Scheurich) Hartman were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Sharon Ilene on February 14, 1944, at Lucky Hospital in Wolf Lake, Indiana. She was the oldest of two children in her family as she was raised in the family home alongside her brother, Harold.

Sharon enjoyed spending time with and playing with her cousins, and she also loved being with her Aunt Winnie, Grandmother Scheurich, and Great Aunt Izzy in Fort Wayne. Sharon had a pony named Tony that was a great companion. As a student at local schools, she was a basketball queen during her senior year at Albion-Jefferson High School. In addition, she was also in cheer block. While in school she established friendships that lasted a lifetime.

As a young woman, Sharon was eager for all that life had in store. At the age of 16, she was working as a car hop at the Wolf Lake Drive-In where she met her future husband when he ordered a pine float. His name was Larry Shively and sparks flew right from the start. It wasnt long before the couple found themselves deeply in love they were engaged on Mothers Day of her senior year. After graduating from high school in 1962, with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Sharon and Larry were married on February 24, 1963, in Albion. Together they were blessed with the births of three children including Candace, Aaron, and Andrea. From the moment she became a mother Sharon completely devoted her days to caring for the children she adored.

In addition to tending to the needs of her home and family, Sharon remained busy with other things as well. She went to college part-time in 1970 and over the next decade obtained a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education from IPFW. She was a substitute teacher in Churubusco and Northwest Allen County School Systems for years, and she spent 10 years working full-time in the Fort Wayne Community Schools until her retirement in 2005. She developed cherished friendships with her fellow teachers over those years.

Sharon traveled with her husband, family and friends rather extensively within the United States including to Alaska and Hawaii. She also traveled abroad to places like Mexico, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, Sharon loved taking cruises to various places, including the Panama Canal which was one of her favorites.

Throughout her life Sharons focus was always on people. She was an active member of her church, and she treasured her church family. Sharon loved shopping with her daughter and was always eager to join other family members or friends for lunch, shopping, or to do almost anything. Sharon hosted numerous large family gatherings and extended love and hospitality to all those she knew. She was quick to offer help to anyone who needed it, and she was always there to offer encouragement and prayer. A social butterfly, Sharon was the sort of person who never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel as though they were her best friend.

Described as a selfless, compassionate, and kindhearted woman, Sharon Shively was a blessing in the lives of everyone she met. A woman of faith, she exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. A true confidante, Sharon was always there to lend a listening ear, and she genuinely cared about the concerns and problems of those around her. Dearly loved, she will be forever missed.

Sharon I. Shively, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 5:18 a.m. on Saturday July 2, 2016. at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Survivors include her loving husband, Larry Shively of Fort Wayne; children Candace (Dennis) Delanoy of Churubusco, Aaron (Holli) Shively of Fort Wayne, and Andrea (Eddie) Gallagher of San Diego, CA; 10 grandchildren. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Harold Hartman. Friends may call on Wednesday July 6, 2016, from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Sharon will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday July 7, 2016, at Blue River Church of the Brethren, 3040 East 700 North, Columbia City, with calling one hour prior. Burial will follow in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send a condolence or to sign the online guest register.