Sharon Ann Nimz, of Maple Winds Apartments of Hiawatha, died Friday morning, August 11, 2017, at Hiawatha Community Hospital. She was 73.

Sharon was born at Tampa Florida, October 31, 1943, one of three children born to the late Earl and Ola Mae Smith Sexton. She grew up and attended schools in several towns through the years, before the family settled in Denton, KS, where she graduated from high school with the class of 1961. Sharon attended Highland Junior College prior to Casters Beauty School in St. Joseph, Missouri, so she could work as a beautician. Sharon learned the value of work as she assisted her parents in the operation of their restaurant, starting at the age of 16. Through the years, she worked as a beautician, served as postmistress of the Leona Post Office, and drove a truck delivering RV’s/mini campers, making the delivery, then jumping in her car that she towed, and off she went again. Out of all the jobs she did, she enjoyed this the most. Sharon returned to Hiawatha and worked for the casino for a time prior to working at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha as a CNA where she was fortunate to work with her two daughters and two of her grandchildren, retiring at the age of 68.

She was a member of Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha, where she volunteered. Sharon was a member of the Order of Eastern Star. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, pets, and horse barrel racing when she was younger.

She married Jerome Nimz at Denton, June 28, 1963. They made their home in Leona for 20 years where they raised their family when they divorced. They have however, developed a wonderful friendship, celebrating holidays, birthdays, etc. together as a family. He survives.

Also surviving are her children: Rebecca Nimz (Jeff) of Hiawatha, James Nimz (Rose) of White Cloud, Michelle Gepford (David) of Omaha, NE; two brothers Bobby Ray Sexton of Thayer, Missouri, Ronald Sexton of Green Valley, AZ; ten grandchildren with four great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a grandson.

Cremation is planned with a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 9, at the Eternal Hope Worship Center, with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Denton Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at Church
Memorial contributions are suggested to Missy Newell Memorial Fund or Eternal Hope Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.