Kathryn Sharp, 102

Kathryn Elizabeth Sharp, 102 years, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2014 in her residence with her family at her side.  Kathryn was born May 13, 1912 in Bowling Green, Ohio, the daughter of the late Frank L. and Bertha (Reed) Keep.  She was a graduate of Bowling Green High School, and then attended Bowling Green Normal School (BGSU).   She married Marion L. Sharp on June 14, 1933 in Bowling Green, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on December 30, 1983. Kathryn Learned the value of a good work ethic at a very young age by helping her parents in their family owned and operated Keep Sanitary Dairy. They jointly operated an Ice Cream Stand near Bowling Green campus. Kathryn began her career as a substitute teacher.  Kathryn and Marion built cabins outside of Bowling Green in 1940 and rented them out to many families.  After moving to Bryan in 1944, Kathryn was a homemaker until 1952 when they opened the Sharp’s Paint and Decorating business on the south side of the Square in Bryan, operating until their retirement in 1972.  She was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church.  Kathryn assisted in assembling the church newsletter.  She also was a member of the L.I.F.E. Group and the Bible Study.  She cared for others by participating in the church Prayer Chain as well as the annual Bazaar.  Kathryn volunteered with Meals on Wheels and delivered meals to those in the Bryan area.  She also tutored in the Adult Reading Program, teaching English as a second language.  Kathryn had a variety of interest, such as gardening, baking, reading and making crafts.  She led a very disciplined life.

Surviving is her daughter, Karen (Dan) Engesser of Marshalltown, Iowa; three grandchildren, J. Daniel (Kari) Engesser of Clive, Iowa, Mathew (Jourdan) Engesser of Ames, Iowa and Katherine (Matthew) Erion of Sioux City, Iowa; four great-grandchildren, Aurelia Kruger, Ryker and Luke Engesser and Franklin Engesser.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one son, Norman E. Sharp, two sisters, Doris L. Keep and Ethel M. Berlin.

Visitation for Kathryn E. Sharp will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center Street, Bryan where funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, with Rev. Jeffrey Motter and Rev. Becky Schofield Motter officiating.  Interment will follow in Shiffler Cemetery, Bryan.  Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to the L.I.F.E. Group of Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506.