Mom was born Sharon Kay Struthers, in the Rozel,
KS area. She grew up in the country with her
parents, Cecil and Pat Struthers and younger sister
Joan, living close to other relatives, such as Aunt
Ag, Aunt Toots, Aunt Trix, Uncle Bill, Uncle Toad.
Her "Auntie" was a huge influence in her life. Just
like Aunt Margaret, on the Lovitt side, Auntie was a
teacher and spent lots of time with Mom and Joan,
spoiling them unapologically.
Mom graduated from Rozel High School and went
to college at Fort Hays State University. Later she
would share that she wanted to study architecture
or music education and then felt psychology was a
greater interest. I feel that may have been her true
calling as she was always there to help others. She
didn't really need a degree to fulfill that dream. She
had 5 children, demonstrating the patience of a
saint.
Mom met the love of her life, Bill Lovitt, at Fort
Hays, while rooming with Carolyn Oller. Albert Oller
brought Dad to Hays and he was instantly smitten
with Mom. They married in 1958, and welcomed 5
children, and eventually 5 wonderful grandchildren.
Mom volunteered in every capacity available to her
in the community… FIA club, Alter
Society, Oktoberfest, and working the elections.
She worked diligently to keep up their home…
personally painting, wallpapering, decorating. Mom
and Dad owned and operated the Lovitt's Propane
and Appliance business, as well as farmed in Rush
and Ness County. Every summer, Mom managed all
the duties required to keep the harvesters well fed
and rested. She was an excellent travel companion
when they hit the road, selling lawnmowers, at state
fairs and home shows. They organized
many fundraisers (dances with live bands and
keggers) to support the local American Legion
baseball team. She supported and attended every
athletic activity, speech and drama competition,
band and choir performances and whatever else her
children participated in and then later attended
many activities celebrating her grandchildren. They
thoroughly loved and enjoyed spending time with
their friends, too many dances, parties, trips to
mention.
Some might have suggested our mother was
overshadowed by our dad but Mom was strong and
courageous in her own right. Her family was the
true joy of her life. It's been said, a lot of people
dread being around their mother-in-laws, but Jeff
and Scott thoroughly enjoyed spending time with
Sharon. She totally embraced them and welcomed
them into the family. Mom was the absolute best
listener, never passing judgment and rarely even
advice…only when asked. She mastered the art of
saying "hmmmm," as a way of saying, "tell me
more." She was quick witted and clever… fun and
funny. We miss her dearly.
With a kind and gentle disposition, Mom was also a
very strong person. Though given a stage 4
diagnosis of lung cancer at the age of 63, she
fought the cancer valiantly and won. Unfortunately,
she could not escape dementia. Mom handled that
with grace too. When she would stay with us, she
was always so pleasant, smiling her huge smile,
thanking us every night for our help. Mom was
always asking us what she could do to help us. We
loved her stories about volleyball, airplanes and her
trip to Washington, DC.
Rae shared her fond memories of Grandma:
Grandma Sharon was the epitome of patience and
love. Her greatest source of pride was caring for
her family and people she loved. I have never been
quiet or good at suppressing sarcasm, which is the
opposite of Sharon Lovitt, but she never thought ill
of me or judged. She simply would raise her
eyebrows and purse her lips together to stifle a
laugh then give me a big hug and a kiss with a
"what are we going to do with you?" She never
thought that anyone needed to change and
welcomed everyone into her home, as they were. I
can't remember a single time that she raised her
voice at anyone, even when they deserved it. If she
ever did it was out of fear of one of the kids being in
danger, because we were always on the verge of a
trip to the ER. I will never forget her smile or her
laugh. I loved making her laugh. Her eyes would
get squinty and it seemed like her mouth would take
up her entire face. She was truly a light and we are
all better people for growing up with her for our
grandma. She spoiled us rotten with affection and
unconditional love, because I will also never forget
how she would cry and kiss me all over my face
when we would leave. I will miss her so much it
hurts, but I am so grateful for the time I had with her
and the love I will feel for the rest of my life.
Eric shared: Growing up, I loved visiting Grandma
and Grandpa in Ransom. My fondest memories
were of watching her play the piano. Grandma had
a way of making us all feel loved - even as her
health worsened. We will miss her so much - but we
know she is in a better place watching over us with
Grandpa.
Austin shared some memories about Grandma:
Grandma was always so caring and would ALWAYS
put us before herself. (Of course, she loved the
puppies too!) Even as her health worsened, I could
feel how much she loved and cared for us all.
"Grandma and Grandpa's place" always felt like a
way to get away from everything else going on, and
just be comfortable with being. Grandma had a
way of giving off a feeling of comfort and love, no
matter the situation. All she ever wanted was for us
to be happy and feel love. I will always feel her love,
for the rest of my life.
Audra shared her thoughts about Grandma and
dementia: While towards the end, it was often hard
for her to put together who someone was, she never
truly forgot her grandkids. Even though she forgot
what we looked like or that we were standing in
front of her, she remembered us. I would often say
"Grandma, it's me, your granddaughter Audra" and
while she would deny it and say "no, you're not" it
was always followed by such kind words about me.
She would boast and "rain on" about how wonderful
and amazing all of her grandkids were, without
connecting that one was sitting right in front of her.
Even the last time I saw her, just a few days before
she passed, when she couldn't talk and could
barely make eye contact, I would mention one of
her grandkid's names and she would immediately
look up at me, with bright eyes and raised
eyebrows. One thing that I will always be thankful
for was that her disease never truly let her forget her
grandkids.