Sharon Thummel

In Loving Memory

Sharon B. (Stillwell) Thummel, age 73, of Overland Park, Ks, formerly of Hoxie, Ks, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2019 with her family by her side.

Sharon was born June 1, 1945 in Colby, KS. She attended Bow Creek Elementary School, a one room school house in rural Sheridan County. During her youth, she was described as a quintessential tomboy and liked to go fishing with her dad. She loved riding her horse Boots, playing in the barn, gathering eggs, and milking cows.

Sharon attended Sheridan County Community High School. That is where she met the love of her life Bernard "Bernie" Thummel. They married on October 21, 1961, in Sequin, Ks, and were together 57 years. Three beloved children were born to this marriage, Dawna, Jodi, and Andy.

Sharon was a very creative person, expressed through music and painting. In her youth she was seldom without her guitar. Oftentimes she would sing and play at gatherings with friends and neighbors. Sharon was also a talented artist and loved oil painting. She was inspired by Norman Rockwell and people from other cultures.

Sharon retired from the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office after 17 years as a 911 dispatcher. She was proud of her service to the community and was described as "an amazing dispatcher".

Sharon and Bernie were the best of friends. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed racing cars, bluegrass festivals, camping, road tripping to KC in their little red Mini Cooper to see the grandkids, garage sales, gardening, bird watching, or just sitting on the back porch together. Sharon found happiness in the simple things.

In 2016, Sharon and Bernie moved to the Kansas City area to live closer to their children and grandchildren. Due to her health issues, Sharon resided at Stratford Commons Health Care Center. Living apart was a difficult reality; however, like a true testament to their love and devotion, together they flourished. Bernie spent every day with Sharon at Stratford. They ate meals together, watched the birds and squirrels, enjoyed the beautiful view, reminisced, talked current events, watched Royals baseball, celebrated birthdays and holidays with family, made new friends, listened to music, and had fun playing dominoes, cards, bingo, baking, and yoga.

On 3-13-19, after two weeks in the hospital and three weeks of physical therapy, Sharon made the decision to go on hospice. On 3-15-19, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by love.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Ray Stillwell, mother, Dorothy (Johnston) Stillwell, father-in-law, Lawrence Thummel, and mother-in-law, Mildred (Huelsman) Thummel. Sharon is survived by husband Bernie Thummel of Olathe, Ks, daughter Dawna Thummel and partner Sandra Jordan of Olathe, Ks, daughter Jodi Morgan of Overland Park, Ks, son Andy Thummel and partner Jessica Roth of Parkville, Mo, grandchildren Breanna Higginson, Ethan Thummel, Autumn Thummel, and Embry Thummel, sister Thelma Ferguson of Albuquerque, NM, sister Leone Biles of Citrus Springs, Fl, brother Chuck (Alice) Stillwell of Topeka, Ks, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Sharon from 2:00 to 5:00 pm on April 6, 2019 at Stratford Commons, 12340 Quivira Rd, north entrance, Overland Park, KS 66213. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation, copdfoundation.org, or Asana Hospice, asanahospice.com.

Sharon's family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the staff at Stratford Commons, Asana Hospice, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, and Kansas Pulmonary Specialists. You provided exceptional care, and treated our cherished mother, grandmother and wife with kindness and compassion. We will forever be grateful.

Spread your wings and fly my angel, your life has touched us all.