Sharon Theresa Stephens, 69, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away early Monday morning, August 12, 2024 at the South Central Kansas Medical Center in Arkansas City.

Born September 5, 1954 in Big Spring, Texas, she was the daughter of Jerome and Darlene (Lutz) Berning.  As the daughter of an airman, Sharon moved several times during her childhood.  When she was three years old, her father died.  Sharon's mother eventually married William "Willie" Gerety, who helped raise Sharon.  In 1972, she graduated from Jefferson County North High School.  Following high school, Sharon attended Kansas State University.

Sharon was united in marriage to Larry Stephens.  The couple made their home in Valley Falls.  They had two children, Marshall and Brandy, and later divorced.  Sharon started work in Nortonville as a CNA at a nursing home.  She became a home health aide for Jefferson County for a time before working in their bookkeeping.  Sharon also volunteered with the Jefferson County Hospice, sitting with patients and even being requested by others.  Around 2010, Sharon moved to Winfield to be near her daughter.

Sharon was a club leader for over 10 years for Jefferson County 4-H.  She enjoyed puzzles, knitting, crocheting, crafting, making jewelry, traveling, playing games and nature.  Sharon especially enjoyed announcing at the NEKSAG horse shows.  She had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly her siblings' and kids' animals.  Sharon loved her grandchildren and treasured spending time with her family.

Sharon's family includes her children, Marshall Stephens (Amanda) of Holton; Brandy Long (Chad) of Winfield; her grandchildren, Ty Stephens, Isabelle Stephens, Cally Stephens, Ashton Wood; and her siblings, Lynn Ledbetter (Wayne) of Perry; Sandy Linderman of Manhattan; Mike Gerety (Sara) of Effingham; Joe Gerety of Nortonville; Debbie Briar (late Randy) of Emporia; Karen Gerety (Jessie) of South Dakota; and Lisa Gerety of South Dakota.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Darlene, and her step-dad William Gerety.

Local arrangements were handled by Miles Funeral Service in Winfield.  A memorial service is scheduled under the direction of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the O'Trimble Chapel, 329 Main St., Nortonville, KS 66060.

A memorial has been established in Sharon's name for Jefferson County Home Health & Hospice.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.