FORT WAYNE, IN – Sharon June Hoppes, age 80, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born in Paducah, KY on March 11, 1942 to the late E. Woodall and Alice Mae (Bozworth) Beard. Sharon and her husband, Jack, married 32 years, owned a motor coach and touring business for 20 years. Together they traveled to many places, facilitating unforgettable family adventures at Kings Island, New England, Florida, Colorado, and more.

Her great affinity for animals fostered years of rich experiences for family and friends alike. An astute breeder of terriers, herding dogs, Quarter horses, Paint horses, and Tennessee Walkers, she added value to the lives of many families throughout the Midwest through her loving stewardship of the creatures in her care. She was also fond of birds, especially parrots, who would often echo her most iconic and hilarious catch phrases.

Those who knew her will always remember how important it was to Sharon to make the holidays and any occasion for celebration special. Her family enjoyed spending time together on the farm, especially on Easter and Christmas. Anyone who met her was made to feel loved and valued, delighting in her vivacious, magnetic zest for life.

Sharon was raised in the church thanks to her earthly father’s dutiful, faithful instruction. It wasn’t until later in life, after making the best of many challenging seasons of life with great resourcefulness and determination, that she renewed her relationship with Christ. As a deep-thinking, God-fearing woman, she ardently sought and found a richer connection to Christ. She was humbled and inspired by her newfound church family until the last.

In addition to her parents, Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Jack L. Hoppes; daughter, Rhonda G. Hersberger; brother, Robert E. Beard; granddaughter, Shannon L. Wagers; step-son, Jackie L. Hoppes, and former spouse, Ronald R. Parks.

She is survived by her children, Gary A. (Jessica) Parks, RaAnn (Sharek) Gadd, Jeri (Josh) Rusk; step-daughter, Theresa (Jim) Turner; siblings, Willie Beard, Larry (Janis) Beard, and Teresa (Tom) Pressley; sister-in-law, Dollie Beard; grandchildren, Alysha, Alyson, Gary Jr., Adam, Eric, Morgan, Owen, Ellie, Mandy, Justin, Brittani, and Sara; 21 great grandchildren, and former spouse, Jerry W. Long.

Family will receive friends on Monday, June 27, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Anderson Church of Christ, 1230 N. Scatterfield Rd. Anderson, IN 46012 where a funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Minister Josh Welch officiating. The committal service will take place at White Lick Cemetery in Mooresville at 3:00 p.m. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Monday between 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morris Animal Foundation, in honor of Sharon. For additional information and to view Sharon’s online video tribute, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.

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