Sharon Lee Tatge

Her family was given the blessing of being present with her throughout this transitional journey by offering comfort and lending gestures of support and peace. She was also blessed by numerous phone calls from friends and family in the weeks leading up to her birthday and passing. Just as she so often gave to others, she received the same in return. She truly felt the love and support from so many during these final days.

Sharon was born on June 22, 1938 as the 3rd born child of Marvin and Gleam Anthony in Lebanon, Kansas, (which she often reminded people was the "geographical center of the United States"). The family soon moved to Smith Center, Kansas, where she attended all her years of school. After graduating in 1956, she attended Kansas State University, where she was proud to be in the founding pledge class of Gamma Phi Beta. She also met Dennis Tatge at KSU and they married (in a blizzard) on December 28, 1959. She completed her first degree in May, 1960 and taught 1st grade in Clay Center, Kansas the following year. When she had their first child, Amy, she resigned from teaching and became a "full time mom" which lasted for over 2 decades. After living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for a few years, they returned to Denny's hometown of Herington, Kansas which eventually became her "hometown" as well. They welcomed their second child, Stephen, and she began growing in her involvement in the Herington Community as well.

Thus was born many years of civic service and involvement in Herington. She served in numerous roles from girl scout leader, to church circles, PEO, school booster clubs, and then onto community leadership positions by serving for decades on the Herington School Board and City Commission. One of her proudest accomplishments was being the Herington Centennial Chairman in 1987, organizing a week long community celebration for the ages! She continued her love for Kansas State University by wearing purple every opportunity that she could. Sharon loved teasing her KU friends, and being a season ticket holder to KSU football for 25+ years. Along with her family, she tailgated every home game and traveled many states to cheer on the Cats! As her children finished school, her interest in returning to college was renewed. She began by taking classes to update her teaching license, which progressed in obtaining her Master's degree from KSU in 1989. Still a lifelong learner, she achieved her greatest educational goal by working on her doctorate and proudly obtaining a PhD in Education in 1992. She used these skills by becoming the original TEEN (Technology Excellence in Education Network) director. She unfortunately lost her husband, Denny, suddenly in 1996. She continued serving the schools for a few more years, before retiring and taking a new challenge in becoming a Pi Beta Phi housemother at Kansas State until 2010. Her later years were spent living in a retirement community in Kansas City, Missouri. She enjoyed the company of her beloved cat, Oreo, playing bridge with new friends, spending time with family members, hosting parties and baking birthday cakes for friends!

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband. She is survived by: daughter, Amy (Perry) Gutsch, sons, Stephen (Amy) Tatge and Sam Bailey and grandchildren Anthony (Cara) Gutsch, Whitney Gutsch and Leticia Bailey.

The family wishes to thank Advanced Health Care and KC Hospice House for their loving and gentle care during her stays there. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Parkinson's Foundation or the KC Hospice House. Sharon was a kind and generous person who was a mentor in countless ways to many people and will be greatly missed by all.