Sharon H. Schickel

Sharon Schickel, a beloved Mother, Mamaw, teacher, and friend to all that knew her, passed away peacefully and all too soon on September 12th, 2025, at the age of 79 with her daughter by her side. A longtime resident of Southern Indiana, she made her home in Jeffersonville and Sellersburg, where her warm spirit and generous heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Sharon loved her home in Southern Estates where her bright and cheerful yellow walls reflected her perfectly.

Born in Kentucky in 1946, Sharon contracted Polio at 10 days old and spent the most part of her young years at Kosair Children’s Hospital. Sharon defied all odds and broke the mold in so many ways; she overcame Polio, learned to walk, graduated from Durrett High School and Southern Kentucky college, had a full teaching career, and had a daughter even though doctors told she never would; those who knew her say she was the happiest when she had her baby girl. Sharon dedicated her life to education, teaching for 29 years (only retiring because she was told she had to due to medical reasons), inspiring generations of students with her passion for learning, her unwavering patience and fairness as a schoolteacher. Sharon taught at Ewing Lane and Northaven. Sharon kept in contact with so many of her past students and followed them in their life’s journeys rooting for them or being there for them if they needed her, just like she did in the classroom. Sharon had so many sick days and personal days saved after 29 years in the Greater Clark County School System they had to pay her for an entire extra year; needless to say, because of that, (she broke the mold again) the policy quickly changed to “you use the days or loose them”.

Sharon’s love of life extended far beyond the classroom — Sharon had a deep appreciation for good food, the open road, and simple joys such as iced tea “with a lot of ice”, a good game of cards, her Bunco girls, Derby Dinner Playhouse, her flowers (she had gorgeous flowers around her home), she loved a good game of basketball and Denny Crum at UofL were her all-time favorites, she loved to laugh and tell stories, and most important to Sharon, was being with her family. Sharon would do anything for her family at the drop of a hat. Sharon was an avid driver who found peace and adventure behind the wheel of her SUV, whether on a quick errand, a spontaneous road trip in search of a new favorite restaurant, taking her beloved dog, Baby Girl for a ride, or finding a new “shortcut”. Sharon always said she felt the most free behind the wheel because then she could go as fast as everyone else. Sharon stayed strong by doing TaiChi until she no longer could. Sharon even practiced at home and could do most every TaiChi movement despite her physical challenges. She was an inspiration to so many and likely didn't even know it.

Sharon’s incredible zest for life was matched by her kindness. Always smiling, she gave generously of herself — her time, her love, and her warmth. Sharon’s passion was giving back to Kosair for Kids, volunteering countless hours, working children’s parties, and organizing fundraisers for them. Sharon brought joy to everyone she encountered, offering both comfort and laughter in equal measure. Sharon was also so very humble; never expecting anything in return, she just wanted to spread joy.Sharon is preceded in death by her younger sister, Marsha Farmer, her mother, Kathleen Cole, and her father, Waller O’Neal. Sharon’s father was instrumental in ensuring she had a full life- he told her she could do anything she wanted despite what any doctor’s told him. One of Sharon’s favorite memories was when her father picked her up from the Kosair Children’s Hospital after a long day of work and when he carried her out, it was raining and she could smell the rain; Sharon has always loved the smell of rain and the love her father had for her.

Sharon is survived by her devoted daughter, Sarah Manring, who carries forward her mother’s spirit of compassion and resilience, Dallas Manring (Sarah’s husband) who Sharon loved as her own and her pride and joys, her two granddaughters, Rachel Lynn and Reece Manring. They were her world. Family was everything to Sharon. Sharon also leaves behind her cherished canine companion, Baby Girl, who was by her side through many of life’s seasons and even until the very end; thank you Cheryl Dubberly for assuring Sharon you would take the best care of her four-legged best friend- that gesture meant everything to her. Sharon’s presence will be deeply and painfully missed, but her legacy of love, generosity, and joyful living will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday September 18th from 2-8pm at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Rd New Albany, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Kosair for Kids.