Sharon Kay Baer

Sharon Kay Baer, 61, of Centropolis, Kansas died on Thursday, December 11, 2008. She was born on Saturday, February 22, 1947, in Kansas City, Kansas. She was the daughter of William Carter and Florence Retta (Davis) Barkely. Sharon was a lifelong Centropolis resident. Sharon attended Appanoose schools and later received her GED. She graduated from Brown Mackie College as a paralegal in 2001. She then attended Kansas University for five years pursuing her dream of becoming an attorney. She also attended Haskell University. She was a waitress for Kenny Reddick at the 50-59 Grill in Ottawa during the 1960's. She worked as a roofer for several years and then worked as a welder for Ottawa Truck for twenty years. She then attended truck driving school and drove a truck for five years. She also worked for Wellsville Manor. She was a member of Appanoose Baptist Church and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Survivors include daughters, Gena O’Connor, Wellsville, Andrea D’nelle O’Connor, Wellsville, and Shanda Nichelle Baer, of the home; a sister, Lois J. Hawley, Ottawa; grandchildren, Ricky Jones, David Jones, Retta Larch, Chelsea O’Connor, Megan O’Connor, Chase O’Connor and Hannah O’Connor; sisters by heart, Ila Smith, Texas, and Grace Carpenter, Missouri; and faithful dog, Tawny. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Kenna Jolene Jones, on July 10, 2001; and an infant sister, Judith Ann Barkley. SERVICES: Memorial Funeral Services will be held from the Dengel Son Mortuary at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2008. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Bea Martin Peck Animal Shelter, c/o Dengel Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.