Sharon C. Barkley (Stender)

Sharon Catherine (Stender) Barkley was born October 8, 1936, to Ray and Agnes (Desler) Stender in Omaha, Nebraska. She was raised near Gretna, baptized and confirmed at Resurrection Lutheran Church and graduated from Gretna High School on May 17, 1954, with 18 other students. Sharon then worked in Omaha as a secretary for a short time. On May 29, 1955, Sharon married her high school sweetheart, Charles Henry Barkley at Resurrection Lutheran Church. In 1960, Sharon lost the sight in her right eye due to a wire thrown by a lawn mower. In 1995, Sharon had a stroke that partially paralyzed her left side. The couple then built a handicapped accessible house just up the hill from the house where they raised their family. The couple moved to Cumberland, Iowa in 2016. In the early 2000s, Sharon developed macular degeneration. During Covid she wasn’t able to receive the treatments she needed so she lost most of her sight. 

Sharon was an active member of Resurrection Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. She also served as church secretary, on the church council and helped plan the 75^th anniversary of the church. Sharon was a member of the Dorcas Circle and sewing circle. She also sang in the church choir and played in the bell choir. As an avid sewer and quilter, Sharon made many banners, including the 100^th anniversary celebration banner, and quilts that adorn the church to this day. She also made banners for infant baptisms. One of her many joys was being a member of the Cottonwood Quilters. She enjoyed the quilting, but she cherished the friendships she made. Sharon made quilts for births and graduations for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as for the Carol Joy Holling Camp auction and Project Linus amassing over 600 quilts! In addition to all of these activities, she served on the election board, helped at the blood mobile, was a 4-H leader, and a judge at the Sarpy County Fair. She also found time to work at the department store, flower shop, and nursing home in Gretna. Sharon’s faith and family is what she cherished most.

Sharon went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully with her sweetheart by her side on April 27, 2024, at the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa at the age of 87 years, six months, and 19 days.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Jeremy Eidson, three sisters-in-law, Arlisse Barkley, Dee Barkley, and Mary Ellen (Roy Myron) Boyden. She is survived by her husband of nearly 69 years, Charles Barkley of Cumberland, Iowa, five children, Charles Barkley Jr. of Cumberland, Iowa, Stephen (Debbie) Barkley of Grant, Nebraska, Catherine Thares of Fremont, Nebraska, Cynthia (David) Manhart of Neola, Iowa, Robert (RaeLyn) Barkley of Cumberland, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, Michael (Brissa) Barkley, Evan Barkley, Janice (Jason) Richman, Patrica (Chase) Peterson, Michele (Chris) LaBuda, Scott (Jamie) Manhart, Kelli (Cliff) Katzer, Jill Manhart, Brandon (Stephanie) Behney, Samuel (fiancée Ashley Waltz) Barkley, Morgan Barkley (fiancé Marty Pelzer), Grace Barkley; 19 great grandchildren with #20 due on Friday; brother, Marvin (Harolyn) Stender of Omaha, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Keith Barkley of Gretna, Nebraska; and many other relatives and friends. 

Visitation Wednesday (5/1/24) 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary. Funeral Service Thursday (5/2/24) 10:30 AM at Resurrection Lutheran Church 153 S. McKenna Ave. Gretna. Interment Voss-Mohr Cemetery. Nebraska Memorials to Resurrection Lutheran Church.  

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Gretna Chapel

11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE 

402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com