Sharon Faye Bestwick was born June 15, 1948 to Lawrence and Helen Hartley. She passed unexpectedly October 16,2024.

Sharon was the oldest of seven children. She is survived by siblings Betty Clements (Carl) of Kansas City, Gary Hartley (Sandy) of Morrill, Bob Hartley (Peggy) of Branson, and Randy Hartley of Fairview.  She is preceded in death by siblings Ivan, Leon, Roy, and Sandra Hartley, husband, Phil Bestwick, and her parents, Lawrence and Helen Hartley. 

Sharon had four children, Ron Brook of Fairview, Rhonda Doud (Dave Fiedler) of Holton, Kevin Brook (Kristen) of Billings and Jenny Baker (Jim Brassfield) of Hiawatha. Her late husband Phil Bestwick had three children, Kim, Ann, and Mark.

The blessing of grandchildren was not wasted on Sharon. She had seven grandchildren (Skyler, Elizabeth, Matthew, Nicole, Isaiah, Madison, and Alyssa) and five great grandchildren (Hadley, Myles, Dean, Emma, and Hudson).

Sharon was a kind soul who affirmed the best in folks. She demonstrated kindness, modeled compassion, practiced humility, and looked for opportunity to make the lives of her family and friends just a bit better.

She embodied hard work, grit, determination and what we lovingly refer to as the Hartley stubbornness, that more often than not, served her well. She was steadfast and unwavering in the face of adversity. Life wasn’t always easy and things didn’t always fit into a neat little box. Her story had a number of tattered pages, a few mysteries, but above all many chapters of love. She had a quiet resolve to do her best to provide, to love her family, and to never take more than she gave. 

She had a special place in her heart for the little town of Fairview.  She seemed to know just about all the happenings in her part of the world. The front porch, coffee in hand was truly her corner of the world to talk things out, connect with friends or family, and watch the constant flow of traffic in the bustling metropolis. Her best memories were working at the World Famous Cozy Cafe.  She was best known and will certainly be remembered for her quick wit, sense of humor, kindness, and relentless work ethic.  It brought her such joy, fulfillment, and purpose being part of the Cozy. 

Our mother had a ragged, yet sacred relationship, with Jesus. We grieve at her passing but find comfort in the promise that she is resting in the arms of her Savior.  

A celebration of Sharon’s eternal life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 21, 2024, at Fairview United Church of Christ with Pastor Shane Spangler officiating.  Interment will be at the Albany Cemetery, north of Sabetha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 12 noon Sunday where the family will meet from 2-4 that afternoon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com