Sharon Jo Kreps (February 4, 1944 – May 22, 2021)
Bringing people she loved together was important to Sharon. When she planned gatherings details mattered. There were specially-designed t-shirts for annual family trips and hand-made invitations for dinners with friends. The table and house were decorated with pottery she and her husband, David, collected or items found on adventures to antique stores and yard sales. She even rewrote the lyrics to a hymn as a blessing to be sung at family dinners.
Sharon taught 7th and 8th grade English in the Manchester Community schools for many years. Good grammar was important not for it own sake, but because clear communication is important. She taught books like Huckleberry Finn and the Diary of Anne Frank for the strong social message as much as the literary value. She had a unique teaching style. Students remember her addressing questions to the support beam in the classroom (which she named Fred) if students did not have much to say on a topic.
As the child of a Methodist minister moving every few years, Sharon learned resilience. With each move, she started at a school and made new friends. With each stage of life, she continued to collect new friends. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her early 40s. As her symptoms worsened, she adapted. She and Dave moved to a one-story house, they installed ramps and she used a scooter to travel far and wide, always finding a way to be independent.
She pursued her passions vigorously. She became interested in Jewelry and card making. These were not solo endeavours, but opportunities to gather with others and remain connected.
Sharon died on May 22, 2021 at Peabody Retirement Community at the age of 77. She had pneumonia, but she also had several chronic conditions and,her body was weary.
Her memory will be cherished by her husband of 56 years, David, with whom she shared many adventures and a very deep love as well as her sons, Brian (Dale Guenter) and Tim (Leanne) and grandchildren Libby and Andrew. She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Eichenauer (Calvin), nieces and nephews.
Arrangements have been made through Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, North Manchester. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the North Manchester Church of the Brethren. Live streaming will be available at the church website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Rev. Joseph and Mrs. Mildred Hanawalt Memorial Scholarship Fund at Manchester University by contacting the Donor Advancement Office at 260-982-5221.
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