Sharon Kay Need, 70, of rural Frankfort, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 16, 2018, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.
She was born October 4, 1947, in Lafayette, to Raymond and Clella Fleming Platt. On August 11, 1972, Sharon married David L Need at Stockwell United Methodist Church; he survives. Together, they shared 46 years of marriage.
Sharon grew up in the Stockwell area where she was a proud Laramie Rocket and 1965 graduate of Laramie High School. She was a licensed beautician before continuing her education. In 1977, she received her associate’s degree of nursing from Purdue University. Sharon shared her caregiver personality first as registered nurse at Eli Lilly and later at Frankfort Hospital in the oncology department. She retired as the office nurse of the pediatric department at the hospital. Sharon had an uncanny ability to know how people felt physically, emotionally, and mentally which endeared her to those around her.
At the core, Sharon dedicated her life to family, church, the farm, and education. She was a member of Rossville United Methodist Church where she and David were vital in the Backpack Program for Rossville Area Schools. Sharon also participated in the youth groups, prayer ministries, and several committees within the church. She had also been a member of BSF in Lafayette which was paramount in her life. Sharon was an avid Purdue sports fan, enjoyed traveling especially cruises, and dearly loved her pets.
In addition to her husband, Sharon is survived by her children, Kristine (Rick) Gochenour, of Rossville, Jerri Dorr, of Chicago, and Mark (Stephanie) Need, of Warsaw; sisters, Mildred McDole and Rosemary Carlson, both of Lafayette, and Phyllis Jackson, of Merritt Island, Fla.; grandchildren, Dylan (Brooke) Gochenour, Mariah Gochenour, Isaiah Need, and Sophia Need; and two great-grandchildren, Jace Gochenour and Hayden Gochenour.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gerald “Sonny” Platt.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 19, 2018, at Genda Funeral Home Rossville Chapel from 4:00 -8:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday at the church. Funeral service honoring Sharon will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Rossville United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Raschka officiating. Burial will follow in Kilmore Cemetery. Memorials in Sharon’s name may be made to Rossville United Methodist Church Backpack Program. Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.