Sharon Kay Atherton

Sharon K. Atherton, 85, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Spencer Acute Care Center, following a 15-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Graveside Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mt. Clark Cemetery, Central City. Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

Sharon was born on December 19, 1940, in Walker, Iowa, the daughter of James L. and Gertrude L. (Wilkinson) Wise. She graduated from Central City High School in 1958 and began her teaching career at the age of 19 after graduating from Teachers State College. She later continued her education, earning her four-year degree from the University of Northern Iowa. On May 28, 1961, Sharon married the love of her life, David, in Waubeek, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with three children.

Sharon dedicated 30 years to education, teaching in both Iowa and Texas. During the final 15 years of her career, she served as a reading specialist at Travis Elementary School in Odessa, Texas, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of her students.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was an active member of her church. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school, leading women’s Bible studies, and participating in prayer groups.

Sharon cherished time spent with family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing games, both indoors and outdoors, and was known for occasionally changing the rules to help ensure her team’s success. She also found joy in gardening, camping, taking long walks with friends, and reading by the pool.

Above all, Sharon treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. Some of her happiest moments were spent baking cookies and apple pies with them. Sharon will be lovingly remembered for her devotion to family, her faith, her passion for teaching, and the joy she brought to those fortunate enough to know her.

Sharon is survived and lovingly remembered by her children, Douglas (Vonda) Atherton of Conroe, Texas, Kelli Atherton of Urbandale, Iowa and Jennifer (Bruce) Feldmann of Spencer, Iowa; grandchildren, Alex Atherton, Austin Atherton, Randi Hughes, Courtney (Matt) Ward, Elizabeth (Seth) Chua, Zoe Atherton, John (Monica) Feldmann, Julia Feldmann and Sam Feldmann; great grandchildren, Lillianne Stewart, Jackson and Barrett Hughes, Chase and Peyton Ward, Brielle Chua and Dominic Feldmann.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Gertrude; husband, David in 2019 and her brother, Jim “Buster” Wise.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.