Sharon Elaine Hunter-Putsch

Sharon was born and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. Always the independent artist, at the age of 12 she took the bus and streetcar to the Kansas City Art Institute for Saturday classes. After high school, she attended Baker University and the Kansas City Art Institute. Sharon got married, had three children, and decided to go back to school at the age of 28. She earned an undergraduate degree from Avila College, which is now Avila University.

She taught at a suburban public high school for nine years while pursuing a graduate degree from University of Missouri, Kansas City. It was there that she completed her first Heirloom Painting, depicting her own family after the death of her mother as a gift to her father.

She left teaching in 1981 to serve as the Director of Admissions at the Kansas City Art Institute. After moving to Washington D.C. in 1984, she worked as the Director of Membership at the national headquarters of the American Institute of Architects. In 1986, Sharon became the Director of Admissions at the Corcoran School of Art, teaching drawing and painting in the adult continuing education program, and then became Associate Dean of the college.

In 1991, Sharon and her husband, Henry E. Putsch, were recruited as a team (President and Dean) to lead Lyme Academy, a small art center in Old Lyme, Ct, to full accreditation as a college offering a BFA degree.

Semi-retiring in 2003, Sharon moved to New Haven, CT. She worked as a Development Consultant at the Creative Arts Workshop. In 2007, Sharon and her husband moved back to her hometown of Kansas City and settled into a new studio and condo in the Crown Center area in downtown Kansas City, MO.

In 2009, Sharon began teaching watercolor, figure and portrait drawing, and painting in the School for Continuing and Professional Studies, at the Kansas City Art Institute.

During this time, she renewed graduate school and past professional/teaching friendships to create a group of artists called RE: Generation. This group of professional artist all formed a bond and a sense of community in the Kansas City area.

Sharon’s passions extended beyond art; she was a dedicated Sr. Warden, choir member and a committed volunteer at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where she and her husband generously shared their time and talents with the congregation and surrounding community.

An artist at heart, she embodied a goofy grace (per her family!) and a gentle yet tenacious spirit that inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her. Throughout her vibrant life, she made countless friends, and embraced everyone with her endless enthusiasm, grace and warmth

She was a devoted partner to her husband, Henry Putsch, who preceded her in death in April 2016. Loving mother to her three children, Perry Hunter (Abbie), Todd Hunter (Brian), and Elena Zimmerman (Gary) from her first marriage to Martin Hunter. Equally loving stepmother to her five stepchildren, Lisa Putsch, Eric Putsch (Judy), Michael Putsch (Suzanne), Nicholas Putsch (deceased), and Matthew Putsch. Doting grandmother to multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved unconditionally!

She will be deeply missed by the many (many, many, many) people who loved her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported Sharon throughout her life and most recently during her stroke recovery.

In celebration of her memory, a memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 16, 2024 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64106. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. All are welcome to join in honoring her remarkable life.