Sharon E. Spade

Sharon E. Spade of Emporia passes away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia.  She was 66.

Sharon was born on December 21, 1956, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Willard E. and Beverly V. Wilson Spade.  She graduated from Emporia High School in 1975 and attended Kansas City Art Institute from 1992 – 1996, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

After her high school graduation, Sharon worked at Didde-Glaser in Emporia until 1990.  She was employed by Coffey County Library and Museum from 1997 – 2002 and worked as the Curator for the North Lyon County Museum in Admire, KS from 2010 until her death.

Sharon married Wayne Hess in 1997, they divorced after 7 years.  She suffered severe injuries in an auto accident in the winter of 2002, resulting in confinement to a wheelchair for the remainder of her life.  Sharon resiliently adapted to her new circumstances, often giving encouragement and support to those around her.

Sharon enjoyed traveling before her accident (with special memories of trips to Greece and Australia), baking, and canning in the kitchen, gardening, genealogy research, and exploring local history.  In 2021, she attended the Symphony in the Flint Hills and one of her history stories was published in the 2021 Field Journal.

Sharon always enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives and attending family gatherings.  She was well thought of by all who knew her.  Many of her friends and relatives will miss her monthly letters and joke sheets.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents.  Survivors include her brother, Steven (DeAnn) Spade of Manhattan, KS; a niece, Stephanie (Bryan) Leffingwell of Phoenix, AZ; and a nephew, Geoffrey (Julia) Spade of Overland Park, KS; 2 great nieces, 2 great nephews; Wayne Hess of Waverly, KS and stepdaughter Rachel (Joe) Vojtko of Lawrence, KS.

Cremation has taken place with a graveside service at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, at Admire Cemetery in Admire, KS.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, Emporia, KS.  Memorial contributions to North Lyon County Museum can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.