Sharon Elaine Gallagher

Sharon was born on July 14, 1961 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Doris Johnson and Donald Olson. She married Ralph Wilson Gallagher, Jr. on December 2, 1982 in Ft. Snelling, MN.

Sharon graduated from Kennedy High School in Bloomington, MN, class of 1979. She worked in Military Affairs for the Illinois National Guard as a microfilm operator. Sharon was a past Girl Scout Troop Leader of Troop 6355, a troop that was formed for disabled girls. She was also a past member of L.O.E.S.S. Sharon was a rabid Minnesota Vikings fan. Sharon and Ralph were Little League coaches for T-Ball, for boys and girls with disabilities.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, LeaAnne Gillies.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Wilson Gallagher, Jr. of Springfield; daughter, Sheilah Megan Gallagher of Springfield; sister, Teri (husband, Craig) Ritz of WI; brother, Doug Olson of Decatur; brother-in-law, Paul Gillies of MN; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.

Burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery following the ceremony.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Special Olympics Illinois, District 17, 900 Christopher Lane, #7, Springfield, IL 62712.