Sharon Doris Melton

Born Sharon D. Engelhardt on December 12, 1938, to Herb and Bea Engelhardt of Daylight, Indiana. She grew up with her beloved sister, Carolyn, surrounded by love, laughter, and strong family ties — the foundation of the life she would go on to build.

She is described by family and friends as devoted, loving and endearing. We have witnessed her devotion to her faith and her personal strength, especially over the last two years.

Companion and devoted wife to Bruce for 66 years, as a military wife for 20 years, Sharon was proud to be a patriotic family. She “held down the fort” while Bruce was gone on lengthy deployments.

Sharon is held dearly in many hearts and called by many names.

A mother to four, but seven called her “Mom”, Jerri and Brandon, Robert, Christine and Don, Suzanne and Kevin.

She was “Grandma” to Wade and Kristi, Cody and Whitney, Brett Nicole and Austin, Evan and Katie, Danielle and Kyle — and added family of Ali and Luke, Camille and Sam, Anna Beth and Nate.

But nothing made her light up more than being called “Grandma or Grandma Sharon” by her sixteen great-grandchildren. Each hug, each laugh, each memory with them was treasured.

Sharon was notorious for including all, making everyone a part of the family. She created special memories with her Sister-in-law Brett, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, co-workers, members of her church family, and countless others who felt like they were her own.

Her door — and her heart — were always open.

After Bruce retired from the military, and Sharon from JC Pennys and US Air, they made their way back home to Indiana. And as always, with a smile and a hug, their home was always open to all, the more the merrier. Easter was especially magical, with the annual egg hunt for both the young and old, and…. after all, …… “the Easter Bunny lives at Grandma Sharon’s house”.

Full of life, Sharon was always on the go. With a yard full of flowers, the house decorated for Easter in February, and Christmas in October. Dallas Cowboy football games, mahjong, square dancing. With a proud smile on her face, she was always ready to attend all the family functions, apple butter, dance recitals, volleyball and football games, college visits, weddings, birthday parties, graduations. A life well lived to say the least.

She and Bruce shared a love of history and travel, with adventures across Asia, Europe, Alaska, Russia. Annual vacations to Grand Lake, sailing in the Caribbean, beach trips with family and friends, and excursions every year around the United States to see family and friends. This adventurous nature has been passed down.

We are forever grateful for family traditions, the special memories, and instilled qualities passed down to all from Sharon. We will all do well to follow her example.

“What we once enjoyed and truly loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Helen Keller

A Celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 18th at Blue Grass United Methodist Church (Old Chapel) at 14240 Petersburg Rd., Evansville, IN 47725. Family visitation will be held on Good Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

In honor of Sharon’s deep love for her church, donations can be made to Blue Grass Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.