Obituary: Ruth M. Sharp

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In memory of

Ruth M. Sharp

of Interior, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City at the age of 86

Ruth M. Whitcher was born November 10, 1925, in Pedro, South Dakota, the daughter of Walter and Rose Jane (Chapman) Whitcher. She grew up in the Wall area where she received her education. As a young girl she opted out of school to take care her mother. Thus began her life of taking care of others.
Ruth was united in marriage to Willard Sharp on July 4, 1951. They lived various places in South Dakota for a short time before settling in Interior. While in Interior, Ruth raised her five children and was very active in the United Presbyterian Women’s Auxiliary. Ruth dedicated her life to raising her children, and later enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother.
After Willard’s death on August 20, 2003, Ruth moved to Philip where she remained until moving to the Summerset Court Assisted Living in 2007. Ruth enjoyed many activities there, including bingo, cards, dominoes, eating Jerry’s Cakes and Donuts, and Rush Hockey games.
Ruth was a longtime member of the Presbyterian Church in Interior, and a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Martin.
Survivors include four daughters Virginia Sharp of Gillette, Wyoming, Shirley Sweezy and her husband Warren of Box Elder, Barbara Bishop and her husband Willy of Buffalo, Wyoming, and Cindy Sharp-Cobble and her husband Jerry of Lenzburg, Illinois; one son Dennis Sharp and his wife Sara of Interior; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a brother Walter Whitcher, Jr. and his wife Jenny of Crawford, Nebraska; two nieces that spent a lot of time on the Sharp Ranch, April and Ellen; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Willard, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; one brother James Whitcher; and two sisters Hope Whitcher and Alice Faith Naescher.
Visitation was held 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 19th, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Monday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 20th, at the Methodist Church in Wall, with Pastor Gary Wahl officiating.
Interment was at the Wall Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, February 20, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
United Methodist Church
Wall, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary Wahl
MUSIC
Dorothy Shearer - Pianist
Dan Templar - Vocalist
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“Amazing Grace”
Congregational Hymn
“In The Garden”
USHERS
Monte Whitcher - Jim Whitcher
PALLBEARERS
Joel Lewison - Jason Lewison
Shane Lewison - Darryn Lewison
Donny Bishop - Tyler Sharp
David Sharp - Levi Sharp
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 19th, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 20th, at the Methodist Church in Wall.
Interment: Wall Cemetery.

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Dennis and Sara, So sorry to hear about your mother. It's always fun to hear Dennis' stories about his mom and dad. You're in my prayers.
~ Jeff Madsen 23651 grindstone rd (2/15/2012)
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of your during this difficult time! I had the honor of getting to know Ruth when I worked at the Silverleaf in Philip. She was always such a easy going and free spirited lady! I know she could also be set in her ways but she was always good for a laugh and kind word also. She loved to share and brag about her family whenever she had the chance and always looked forward to taking trips to the ranch to visit and see old friends! May you enjoy sharing the many memories you have of Ruth as you gather to celebrate her life! (((HUGS))) and God Bless! ~ Wendy Cook Sturgis, SD (2/15/2012)
Shirley and Warren, I am so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was a very sweet lady who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this tough time. ~ Ashley Reckling Philip,SD (2/15/2012)
Shirley and family,
Sorry to hear of the death of your mom. She was a very interesting lady and dedicated a lot of time to the church in Interior. May God strengthen you during this time. ~ Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (2/15/2012)
So sorry to hear of the loss of Ruth. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! ~ Bruce and Lynn Dunker &family Wall (2/15/2012)
To Ruths Family, Many years have past since the Sharps and Madsen Families were at Interior but the good times they had will always last. You are in our prayers at this time. Bruce and Bonnie ~ Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (2/15/2012)
You're in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Merti Whirlwind Horse Interior, SD (2/15/2012)
Dennis and Sara, very sorry for your loss. Our family will be praying for your family. In my thoughts ~Sydnee ~ Sydnee Ree Beam 18001 HARMON RD, Fayetteville, AR (2/15/2012)
Dennis, Sara & Family,

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Sharp. Be certain that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you guys! May God richly bless you in all.
Uncle Sid & Aunt Charlotte ~ Sid & Charlotte Ree Fort Smith, Arkansas (2/15/2012)
Dennis and family my deepest sympathy in the passing of your mother. I will always remember both of your parents as happy go lucky. Once again my deepest sympathies to you and your family in your time of sorrow. ~ Dennis Martinez, Sr. Oglala, SD (2/15/2012)
To all Of Ruth's Family. So sorry to hear that your mom passed away.You have my deepest sympathies on the death of your Mother. •May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. •May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you..May god be with you during this difficult time.. ~ LaVonne (Sharp) McCollam Allen, SD (2/15/2012)
A rush of memories flooded back of childhood visits back and forth between Willard and Ruth and Fay and Bessie on the ranch and all the fun all us kids had when our parents got together to visit. This was good times and memories and we will miss Ruths calm ways and gentle acts of kindness. ~ Bruce Sharon Barnett/ Bessie O'Bryan Wall SD (2/15/2012)
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Brings back memories of long ago. A very nice lady. ~ Kay O'Rourke Reed Casper,WY (2/15/2012)
Family, I'm so sorry about your loss. Wish I could be with you all like you were with me. Love you all. ~ Dona Evans Colo. (2/15/2012)
Ruth was a very friendly happy lady, sorry to hear of her passing. ~ John and Twila Naescher Wall, S.D. (2/15/2012)
I have so many fond memories of Ruth and Willard and all while growing up. Ruth always welcomed us and cared for us and I will greatly miss her. ~ Herb Teal Rapid City SD (2/15/2012)
My dearest sympathies to the family. Ruth will be missed. ~ Rhonda Terkildsen Belvidere, SD (2/15/2012)
Dear Virginia,
We have been lifting you and your family up in our prayers. May God's peace and love surround all of you.
He loves you and cares for you. ~ June Land Gillette, WY (2/15/2012)
Ruth will be missed, Tadd and I met her through Roger years ago and we was always happy to visit her at Walmart. ~ Donnette Bowman Porcupine SD (2/15/2012)