Sharon Weber
Sharon Kay Weber was born June 1, 1945, in Caney, Kansas, to Verne and Fern (Finney) Gilliland. Sharon died and went home to be with her Lord on March 16, 2023, in Denver, surrounded by her family.
Sharon was the youngest of four children. Growing up in Caney, she loved being on her grandparents’ farm and helping tend to all the animals, especially the calves — a passion for cattle that lasted her entire life. She was always tagging along with her older brother, sisters, cousins, and even her aunts and uncles that were close in age.
Sharon attended grade school in Cozad, Nebraska, until fourth grade, when the family moved to Sterling. She graduated from Sterling High School in 1963. She then attended and graduated from Northeastern Junior College in 1965. Sharon loved all sports but was known for softball in Sterling and was quite the pitcher for her team, winning many titles for them through the years. At that time, there weren’t athletics in school for females, but that didn’t stop Sharon from playing basketball and softball.
Sharon met the love of her life at NJC. She would marry Larry Dean Weber on Dec. 26, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke. They had three children who all grew up on the family farm, including Marc Dean in 1969, Marla Kay in 1970 and Monica Ann in 1976. The family spent their time together tending to their cattle herd, planting and harvesting corn and wheat, and preparing 4-H and FFA projects for fair, state fair and the National Western Stock Show.
Sharon loved to play softball, and she continued that passion with her kids by playing on the church coed softball team and league. She was one of the pitchers.
She also was known for all of her wonderful harvest meals. She would bring an entire homemade meal to the field, where they would eat as a family on the tailgate of the pickup. She also loved to bake birthday cakes. The kids would always get a decorated cake from Sharon, and she especially loved to make her angel food cakes and chocolate chiffon cakes.
Sharon was a homemaker and farm hand most of her life. She would help Larry with everything on the farm, including working cattle, driving tractor or truck, hauling cattle to the sale barn, and, of course, always taking her care of the house, lawn, flowers and garden.
She was employed by Phillips County and the furniture store in Holyoke prior to having children. When her children were older, she decided to work again and was a secretary at Farm-Co Realty, eventually taking a position with Bank of Colorado, where she retired as a loan clerk in 2010.
Sharon and Larry moved from the farm to Holyoke in 1994. They continued to help raise show cattle along with their son, Marc. They were extremely proud of their numerous grand champions at many state and national shows. Their pride and joy was when their own children and grandchildren would win those grand champion titles. They were huge supporters of the Phillips County Fair and the 4-H and FFA programs.
Sharon loved to garden and took such pride in her lawn and beautiful flower gardens. She always greeted everyone with that beautiful smile and a pleasant conversation. She cherished time with her neighbors and her lifelong friends.
Sharon was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst and then Zion Lutheran Church after they moved to Holyoke.
Sharon loved all types of sports. She and Larry were Denver Broncos season ticket holders and loved to cheer them on each week, either in person or in their living room. She also loved to watch NCAA basketball and filled out many brackets through the years.
Sharon was also an avid supporter of Holyoke Dragons athletics! She loved to cheer on the Dragons and especially her children and grandchildren, rarely missing a game, whether it was in Holyoke, a few miles away or clear across the state. Some of her fondest memories were to watch them participate at the regional and state level. She especially loved the state basketball tournament.
Her pride and joy was her family and anything that they participated in or performed at. She was always there for everything, including dance recitals, choir concerts, FFA banquets, and, of course, every fair, state fair, jackpot show or stock show.
Nana, as her grandchildren called her, was their biggest fan. She made lunch everyday for her grandkids once they started junior high. On game days, she made special meals to give them energy, or their “favorite Nana dish.” Her love for her family was one of her greatest accomplishments.
Sharon is survived by her three children, Marc, Marla and husband Kris, and Monica and husband Tim, all of Holyoke; seven grandchildren, Tyler and wife Chandler Camblin, Kaylee Camblin, Cash Weber, Colby Weber, Cruse Weber, Tenley Becker and Maesa Becker, all of Holyoke; sisters Shirley Smidt of Cozad, Nebraska, and Karen Anderson of Greeley; brother Larry and wife Claire Gilliland of Loveland; sisters-in-law Elaine Pugh and husband Lucky of Holyoke and Betty Schnitker of Wichita, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.
Sharon was preceded in death by her husband Larry Weber; parents Verne and Fern Gilliland; mother- and father-in-law Arthur and Berneice Weber; brothers-in-law Al Anderson, LaDean Smidt and Dick Schnitker; sister-in-law Sandra Gilliland; niece Lynette Gilliland; and nephew Michael Schnitker.
The funeral service was held March 23 at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating. Interment followed at the Holyoke Cemetery.
Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.