Sharon Louise Abram transitioned to Heaven surrounded by family on October 27, 2020, less than a month after receiving a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. To know Sharon was to love Sharon. She was loved by many.
Sharon entered this world to begin her “twinkly” life on January 28, 1943 to loving parents Marguerite (Nunemaker) and Nate Pettengill. Big sister Patty welcomed her and later Sharon was joined by little brother Glenn, and much later by little sister Denise. These surviving siblings grieve her passing.
Her childhood was full of visits to the family farm, roller skating in the attic, jumping off garage roofs, adopting kittens and roaming the Pinkney neighborhood where she spent her entire childhood. She loved nature and being outdoors.
A graduate of Lawrence High School in 1961, she was a head cheerleader during the Chesty Lions Football glory days. An article in LIFE magazine documented the team, the cheerleaders and the Chesty Lion Spirit. She played flute in the orchestra and band and loved to play throughout her life.
Always interested in health and wellness, she worked in chiropractic offices in Lawrence.
On July 29, 1985, she married Jim Abram, who survives of the home. They spent 35 active years of adventures together. Sharon was part of the running community; completing many races, and posting overall top times. She and Jim ran and biked for many years and finished the Bike across Kansas. They traveled America for eight years in their RV with their dog Hattie, avoided the Kansas winters, and enjoyed seeing their 24 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Two years ago they settled in Lawrence, engaging in the social life at their apartment complex. As an avid reader, Sharon loved loaning and discussing the latest book she had read with others. She was a generous and kind person.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Henery Cromwell.
She was beloved mother to Tammy Towns, Ft Worth, Tx, Kimberly Williams and Hannah Louise Graham of Lawrence. Sharon was a loving step-mother to Anna Fritzel Shows of Plano, Tx, Brett Fritzel, Brian Abram and Mike Abram of Eudora, and Darren Abram of Linwood. Four nieces and two nephews remember her fun-loving outlook on life.
Her Christian faith was central to her and she enjoyed reading the Bible and worshiping at the Living Water Evangelical Free Church.
Memorial services will be 10 am, Saturday July 17, 2021, at Living Water Evangelical Free Church, Oskaloosa, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the youth program at Living Water Evangelical Free Church, PO Box 471, Oskaloosa, KS 66066 or the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, 200 Maine St., Suite C, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be left at Rumsey-Yost.com.
I remember Sharon and Jim as 1st generation members of the Lawrence Bike club. As many have said, she had an sweet sense of humor and a ready smile.
So sorry for your loss, Denise and family. She looked like a lovely person from the picture. God bless. From your former coworker/secretary at East Heights.
Fond memories of running, biking & swimming with Sharon and Biking Across Kansas! She was such an inspiration and cheerleader. I know she will really be missed. Was so sorry to hear that she passed. Love and prayers to all her family.
a bright shinning light in my dull jr high days , the Angels have another Angel to welcome
Sharon was so much more than my wife. She was my soul mate, my cheer leader when I needed encouragement, my play mate. She had such a playful, and joyful spirit. She could always brighten my day. She loved a good laugh.
So long as we live she,too, shall live. I will love her until the end of time.
So sorry to hear about Sharon’s passing. I remember her as one of the sweetest, most genuine girls in our class. I know she had many friends who will miss her. My sincere condolences to her family. God bless her.
While I only knew Sharon in Jr. High & High School, it seems as though she ran, pedaled & RV’ed all the way to life’s Off Ramp. Good for her – such a sweet girl with that remarkable smile.
Bet she’s up there cheering for all of us to live life to its fullest.
Wow – memories of running with Sharon and Clara – especially hill climbing up the gravel Peterson Rd to Martin Park. And the Avon 10K and other races. Also the runs including Jim around the Haskell campus. Great times! Our sincere condolences. Dee & Gene
I meet Jim n Sharon while they were doing there RV thing and Hattie to. Fun , God loving folks. I took the over to Mexico for there first time , bragging about how well I know the place, I drove them across and ended going down the wrong side the road for always , turning here n there till I could fake my way back to something familiar…. whew … they both always had smile and loved adventure… Good Memories /“Till we Meet again “
Marie and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jim and his and Sharon’s extended families and friends.
After many years it was great seeing and working with Sharon on our Class of ’61 reunions.
May the Lord bless and keep you and bring comfort to those who grieve.
Your loss deeply saddens me; may my prayers guide her soul to our Heavenly Father. Sincere condolences!
I remember Sharon as a cheerleader and member of the class of 1961. Sharon was a wonderful example of leadership for the cheerleaders and love for helping us become better students. I am sure that I shared classes with Sharon at Lawrence High School and I valued her friendship. Thank You, Sharon , for the gifts you shared with all of us
Sharon’s passing will sadden many. She was always a.person who brightened a room. Deepest condole ces to all the family.
I am so sorry to learn of Sharon’s passing and am sending condolences and prayers to her family. Sharon and I shared several classes together during our years at Lawrence High School and we became friends during that time. Sharon was warm and friendly to many with that beautiful smile always on display. She will be sadly missed by friends and family alike.
Sharon was my cousin so we shared many wonderful times growing up together in Lawrence. Even from an early age she was a kind, thoughtful, sharing, and vibrant person. When she was in the room, in the yard, or on the garage roof she brightened her environment. We had sleep overs on our screened in porch sharing secrets and dreams. She was an unforgettable part of my life. I will miss her smile and laugh.
I am holding all of you, her birth family and the family that Jim and she created, in my heart and prayers. Our world will miss this star in its universe.
Very sorry to learn of Sharon‘S passing. My sympathy to Jim and Family. Sharon and I have been friends since LHS days, Great football team and Sharon a cheerleader. Recently enjoyed birthdays get together and always seeing her and Jim at the Legion pancake breakfasts. I will miss her enormous smiles.
Sharon was my neighbor, and we enjoyed sharing books and talks. In the short time I knew her we became friends, and I shall miss her very much. My condolences go to her good husband, Jim. I know what sorrow he is feeling.
Sharon was a special person. Always smiling and glad to see you. I got to know Sharon after high school (1961) when she was working at Doctor Wertin’s office. During that short time she shared many stories about her family, dog, and travels. Prayers and condolences to her family.
So sorry for your loss. Sharon shared tea with with Patty Supancic & me to celebrate Evelyn Wingert’s birthday several times after Evelyn passed. Sharon’s birthday was around the same time. We had so many good visits & laughs. Now she can look Evelyn up & catch up. Sharon was a wonderful person. So loved her. Prayers to you all.
Jim, my heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family. I have been thinking of our fun bicycle trips with you and Sharon. You two had a great life together.
Jim…our hearts hurt for you and your family…please know we love you.
Hugs
So Sorry for your Loss. Jimmy Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Love you Janice Lopez And Family
So sorry to learn of Sharon’s passing. She was a fun lady, and also very sweet. Love and prayers to the family.