Sharon & Carl Render

Sharon Happel Render, 69, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024 in Louisville, KY after a long struggle with dementia. She was born August 9, 1954, in Louisville, KY, and was the oldest child of the late Edmund and Barbara Happel. She grew up in Valley Station and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and educator.

In 1972, Sharon graduated from Valley High School where she was a standout cheerleader and friend to many. She later graduated from the University of Louisville, with a degree in Accounting. Throughout her career Sharon worked at Celanese, Dean Milk Co. (where she met the love of her life), and the Hyatt Regency before eventually finding her calling as a full-time substitute teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools, from where she retired in 2019.

Sharon’s genuine, kind, creative, and witty personality afforded her many lifelong friends who care deeply for her and her family. She made a lasting impact on the life of those around her and her absence leaves a palpable void in the hearts of her family and friends.

Sharon was a long-time member of Highview Baptist Church, where she served in the nursery for many years.

Throughout her life Sharon possessed a love for children and education, which she demonstrated through being a Cub Scout leader, substitute teacher, and all-around fun mom. Later in life she enjoyed spending time with her three young grandchildren, though that time was far too short.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Render, and sister, Cindy Happel. She is survived by her son, Austin Render (Tara), sister, Kimberly Haendiges (Brian), brother, Tinsley Happel, nephews, Tinsley II and Trevor Happel, and grandchildren, Jack, Ruby, and Annabelle.

A combined visitation for Sharon and Carl will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven on Wednesday, June 19, from 3pm - 8pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 20 at Highview Baptist Church’s Fegenbush campus. Visitation will be held from 10:30am - 12:30pm, with funeral service beginning at 12:30pm.

Those wishing to honor Sharon may make a donation in her name to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. www.theaftd.org