Sharon Yuvonne Shaver

Sharon Yuvonne Shaver, born March 20, 1940, in a rural farmhouse owned by her grandparents in Furnas County, Nebraska, was the third oldest of eleven children. She passed from this world Saturday, May 17, 2025, leaving behind many of the things she lovingly collected over the years—including porcelain dolls, bunny rabbits, dishes, brooches (which she wore to church every Sunday), and an incredible array of holiday decorations.

A memorial service for Sharon will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church in Waco, with Pastor Charles Robinson officiating.

Sharon graduated from Fort Collins High School in Fort Collins, Colorado, after attending nine different schools during her early education. In high school, she earned the nickname “Petie” because she was small in stature but large in personality. She met her dear Bert while attending Stamford High School.

Bert and Sharon wed in the fall of 1959 and were married for 50 years. They shared a love of DIY projects, upgrading the homes they lived in and creating beautiful gardens together. Sharon continued her passion for gardening after Bert’s passing—her flower beds and yard became the envy of the neighborhood. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her unconditional and fierce love for her family will leave a crater in their lives—but thankfully, she also leaves behind thousands of joyful memories.

Sharon attended Red Rocks Community College in Colorado, studying “computer something,” though she spent her professional life in accounting and office management. Wherever she worked, the organization benefited from her presence. Some of her colleagues even considered her their “other mother.”

Sharon enjoyed many, many things. She was always the most enthusiastic fan at Lady Bears Baylor basketball games, cheering until she was hoarse. Before that, she rooted for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Denver Broncos—complete with an orange afro wig. She loved to have fun with her friends and family, and celebrations were her favorite (hence the aforementioned holiday decorations). Her festive feasts and legendary Christmases will be long remembered.

After Bert passed, Sharon dedicated herself to serving others. She volunteered at her church and in the community, working on many projects including: youth Sunday school, Operation Christmas Child, the Worship Committee, Social Hour, Compassion Ministries, Viking Outreach, My Brother’s Keeper, Stephen Ministries, and United Methodist Women. She tutored and participated in a reading program at a local elementary school, served on the board of her HOA, and even rang a bell in front of Hobby Lobby for the Salvation Army—despite being weakened by cancer treatments.

But her favorite activities were those that created happiness and comfort for others—delivering Sunday’s church flowers to Stillwell Assisted Living, baking countless casseroles and cookies for her church community, and playing in the church band. Singing and making music with her bandmates brought her immense joy. Her faith gave her strength and peace.

But most of all, she loved her family—no matter what. And they loved her.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Bert E. Shaver, Jr.; her parents, Walter Roberts and Loraine Shellenbarger; her sisters, Nadine Shellenbarger and Anita Jean Schwandt; her brothers, Harry Shellenbarger and Tommy Shellenbarger; and her beloved—if eccentric—dogs, Nicky and Maisy.

Sharon is survived by her children: Deborah Kauffman and husband Martin, Rebecca Nickerson, and Scott Shaver; her siblings: Lianna Smyers and husband Bill, Loene Stroh, George Roberts and wife Marla, Charles Roberts and wife Vilma, Gerald Shellenbarger and wife Paula, and Julie Wilkins and husband Ed; her grandchildren: Jessica Green and husband Jade, Jacob Kauffman and wife Victoria, and Tessa Kauffman; and her great-grandchildren: Damien Grunewald, Archer Green, and Taryn Green.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sharon’s name can be made to Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church or Compassion Ministries—or simply buy yourself a bouquet of flowers and remember a lovely day you shared with Sharon.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Sharon in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.