Sharon (Gray) Boers, 85, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, Missouri, 816-633-5524. A Celebration of Sharon’s Life will follow at 11:00 a.m., with inurnment at Greenton Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the V.F.W. Post 5675 Auxiliary. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
Sharon was born on April 4, 1941, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Clarence Fenton and Glenice (Rice) Gray. She graduated as valedictorian of the Odessa High School Class of 1959, a reflection of the determination and dedication that would guide her throughout her life. In 1981, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a registered nurse by earning her degree from Research Medical Center School of Nursing.
On April 1, 1966, Sharon married Frank (Bonner) Boers, Jr., in Pasadena, California. In 1969, they welcomed their daughter, Desirée, who remained one of Sharon’s greatest joys. Although Sharon and Frank later divorced, they maintained a lifelong friendship built on mutual respect and care.
Sharon spent many years serving others as a registered nurse, retiring from St. Mary’s Medical Center. Never one to slow down, she continued working for another ten years at Lake City Ammunition Plant as an assistant in the gage lab. After her second retirement, she volunteered for several years at The Odessan, as a proofreader. Her kindness, compassion, and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know and work alongside her.
A woman of Methodist faith, Sharon was also an active member of Business and Professional Women (BPW). She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures-sharing time with family and friends, getting lost in a good book, enjoying classic movies and musicals, challenging herself with crossword puzzles, and indulging in anything made with chocolate. A lifelong lover of words, she never missed an opportunity to correct grammar in the local newspaper or Facebook posts.
Sharon leaves behind a family who will cherish her memory: her daughter, Desirée Boers of Odessa, Missouri; her grandson, Zachary (Jordan) Palmer of Odessa; her beloved great-grandchildren, Rowan Palmer, Mila-Gray Palmer, and Maryn Palmer; her sister, Connie Betts of Odessa; her niece, Stephanie (Brian) Young; her great-nephew, Evan (Rayna) Young; her great-niece, Sydney (Robbie) Conchola; as well as many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Sharon will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever held close in the hearts of those who knew and loved her
Source: KMZU, The Farm
