Sharon Lea Rhine Wardlow, 73

On Friday, September 24, 2021, Sharon Lea Rhine Wardlow was peacefully reunited with her late husband Francis "Happy" Wardlow, Sr. Remarkably, on this day 54 years earlier, Happy and Sharon vowed their lives to one another until death did they part. It is now in death that they live lovingly together once again. They shared five beautiful children: Brenda Sue, Kathy, Angela, Debbie and Francis "Guy" Wardlow, Jr. Sharon was an accomplished mother and adopted many others as her own, a grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 28.

Sharon didn't waste energy on worrying, as she took life with a grain of salt, always having faith that things would work out and that special "knowing" was reflected in her ability to love freely as she always magically appeared wherever she was needed, dropping her life to help others for as long as necessary to see her loved ones through some of their most difficult times. As a breast cancer survivor, her resilience, positive mindset, and sense of humor was recently reflected as she reminisced and lovingly laughed at herself for once being distracted by the walking toots as she made her way to the garbage can, forgetting to remove her teeth before she vomited into the garbage can and lost her teeth in the process. She laughed as she remembered pulling her teeth out of the garbage can wondering if they were worth the trouble after being in a terrible state. Sharon's infectious laughter will be missed by many. Thankfully, she has passed that trait on to her children and grandchildren.

Our mother loved crafting, specializing in sewing, giving her children and grandchildren many quilts and blankets that will be cherished forever. She also loved canning, collecting her beloved owls and everyone's favorite, her cooking. She enjoyed being a chef for many years as she worked at various locations, including the infamous "Land of Magic."

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Dale Wardlow, her daughter Katherine and too many other loved ones to mention.

Our family has lost a wonderful matriarch and beautiful soul. We will cherish our memories and make sure to pass on her traditions and love to our children.

We will reprint her obituary to announce her memorial in the future. Most likely in the spring of 2022, as spring was her favorite time of year when the lilacs bloom.