Sharon Virginia Bivens

October 13, 1944 – February 20, 2026

Sharon Virginia Bivens was called home to the Lord on February 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 13, 1944, Sharon’s life was marked from the very beginning by strength, faith, and resilience.

Sharon was the daughter of Virginia Dorothy Fricke and Lt. Andre Joseph Vleghels. Andre was a pilot in the United States Air Force and was tragically shot down during World War II just one month before Sharon was born. She was lovingly raised by her mother and grandparents until her mother remarried Egon Edward Fricke when Sharon was three years old. Egon became the father who raised her, and she carried deep gratitude for the love, guidance, and stability he provided throughout her life.

Sharon grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and graduated from Dominican High School in 1962. She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan in 1966. She later returned to school to earn her Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana University in 1985. Sharon devoted more than 33 years to nursing at St. Francis Hospital and Community Hospitals in Indianapolis, serving in various leadership roles in hospital administration and nursing organizations. She served as President of the Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives and retired at age 55 as Executive Director of the Medical Service Line at Community Hospitals in Indianapolis. Nursing was more than a profession — it was her calling, providing purpose, credibility, and lifelong friendships.

Sharon was the beloved wife of the late Richard Carl Bivens, whom she married in 1966 following their graduation from the University of Michigan. They moved to Indianapolis to begin his career at Eli Lilly and Company and built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and love. Together they also lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for three years — an adventure she later admitted she “hated to leave.” After their retirement, they built their dream home in Sun Lakes, Arizona, where they cherished many years of friendship, sunshine, and vibrant community life.

Sharon was a devoted mother to Kristin Ford of Orlando, Florida, and Jennifer Hill (Jeff Hill) of Carmel, Indiana. She was “Grammy” to her four grandchildren — Jacob and Madison Hill, and Carter and Lauren Ford — a role she cherished beyond measure. Being their Grammy was one of her greatest blessings. She loved attending their sporting events, school activities, and special milestones, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on. She enjoyed traveling to visit family and thoughtfully planning trips that brought everyone together. Weekly phone calls and updates from her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life and the highlight of her week.

A faithful member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Indianapolis for more than 30 years, Sharon’s Catholic faith guided her life and sustained her through every season. After moving to Arizona, she became an active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church and later St. Juan Diego Catholic Church, where she formed cherished friendships and continued her commitment to prayer, service, and fellowship. Sharon generously gave of her time through church ministries and volunteer work in local schools, quietly serving others with the same compassion that defined her nursing career. Her faith was the steady foundation of her life.

Sharon embraced life with enthusiasm and warmth. She loved music — especially Neil Diamond — and could often be found singing along to her favorite songs. She enjoyed cooking and took pride in preparing meals that brought family and friends together around her table. An avid reader, she was always immersed in a new book, curious and eager to keep learning.

She was truly a social butterfly who never met a stranger — whether striking up a conversation with someone seated next to her on an airplane or chatting with neighbors while walking her dog. Her natural warmth made people feel instantly at ease. Sharon was a gracious and joyful hostess who loved throwing parties and gatherings, both in Indianapolis and Arizona, surrounding herself with great friends, laughter, and lively conversation.

She enjoyed playing bridge and bunco with friends, golfing in the sunshine, and traveling — especially to Hawaii. She was an enthusiastic Michigan football and basketball fan, faithfully cheering on the Wolverines and rarely missing a big game. She had a special love for her loyal canine companions — Chloe, Maggie, and Gizmo — along with many granddogs, who brought her constant comfort and joy throughout the years.

After lovingly caring for Richard during his illness until his passing in 2013, Sharon continued forward with remarkable strength and grace as a five-time cancer survivor, focusing on mind, body, spirit, and living fully in the present moment. Her resilience, optimism, and steadfast faith were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Sharon will also be dearly missed by her sister, Deborah (Jeff) Smith; her brother, Mike (Kathy) Fricke; and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Bivens; her mother, Virginia Fricke; her fathers, Egon Fricke and Andre Vleghels; her mother- and father-in-law, Howard and Maxine Bivens; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Robert and Rose Bivens.

While her family’s hearts are heavy, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with Richard, her parents, her dogs and granddogs, and all who have gone before her, and now rests in the peace and joy of God’s eternal presence.

Sharon will be celebrated on Monday, March 2, 2026, with a Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 7200 Sarto Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46240. Visitation will precede at 10:00am and a light luncheon will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sharon’s honor to Our ‘Lil Bit of Heaven Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (OLBH), where she adopted her loyal companion Chloe:

OLBH

4259 Mangus Rd.

Poland, IN 47868

https://olbhrescue.wpcomstaging.com/donatepayments/

“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.”