Sharon Barnes

Beloved wife of Geoff; loving daughter of Donna (née Lane) and the late Glenn Noll; loving sister of Lori (Patrick) Mc Atee, and Randy (Lois) Noll; dear aunt of Patrick Michael Mc Atee, and Alisha, Alaine, and Alan Noll.

Sharon was born in Washburn, IL and after a happy high school life went on to study Music and Business Administration before moving to St. Louis in 1982. She worked with three of the larger St. Louis companies before joining Monsanto in 1988, where she met her husband, Geoff. After a time in Brussels, Belgium, she returned to St. Louis and settled in Clifton Heights. She continued to travel with Geoff as he worked in Copenhagen, Denmark and Davis, CA. In 1993, she set up her own small business in Clothespin Dolls.

She began her political life in 2000 as Republican Committeewoman for the 24th Ward, eventually becoming Chairperson of the City Central Committee in 2010. As her political activities broadened, she became president of the Republican Women's Club of St. Louis and the 2nd District Republican Women. In 2010, she joined the National Federation of Republican Women Membership Committee.

Her enthusiasm and efforts brought her a number of state and national awards. At the Missouri state capital, she could often be found working both sides of the aisle presenting her cases, as she did for her Missouri officials in Washington DC. She believed in the system! The citizens must play their part.

Over the years she helped with the St. Louis City Board of Elections, the Mason School eMints Program, the 24th Ward Neighborhood Association, the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations, and the 2nd District Police Business Association, of which she was a member.

In 1996, she arranged that Geoff should get back into rugby as a ref, and later as assistant coach for the St. Louis Sabres and the West "Allstars" Ladies' Teams. She loved to house the West when they came to town, and became something of an expert in the gentle arts of Rugby and Cricket.

It was how she lived her life, to the fullest extent. She loved meeting new people, new ideas, and places, but the city was her home and she enjoyed its many facets to the full, even though she was a Cubs fan. Few people knew that her illness was diagnosed in 2006. Sharon focused on others. With her loss a light may have dimmed but she lit many new lights that will keep her memory ever present.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, from 4 to 7pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, 63109. A private family service will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers contributions to The Sharon Barnes Memorial College Scholarship Fund are greatly appreciated. Friend may express condolences at www.hoffmeistercolonial.com.