Obituary

Sharon Joy Brainard, 75, passed away on Sunday (Jan. 16, 2011) at her residence.

She was born on May 12, 1935, in Santa Monica, Calif. Sharon worked for the Scholle Packaging Company in Southern California as an office manager. After retiring from there, she and husband, Russell Brainard, moved to Newton, where Russell has relatives. Sharon loved the peacefulness of rural Kansas and its friendly people. While living in Newton, Sharon kept active by volunteering at the Senior Center and bowling in the Play-Mor Bowling Alley League. She also loved to collect antiques and care for her pets.

Sharon is survived by husband, Russell, of the home; sisters-in-law, Leah Conrad of Iowa and Carol Rogers of Nevada; brothers-in-law, Dr. Bill Brainard of Arizona and James Brainard of California; and aunt, Judy Long of Newton. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Douglas Brainard and Richard Brainard; and sisters-in-law, Betty Ann Brainard and Sharon Tiffany.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. A gathering of remembrance for friends and family to share memories of Sharon will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the Newton Area Senior Center in care of Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St., Newton, KS 67114.