LIBERAL — Sharon Rose Irick, 73, passed away at University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colo., surrounded by her family on Aug. 31.

Sharon was born on Aug. 20, 1938, in Alton, to Lowell and Hallie (Rose) Andrew. She graduated from Great Bend High School and was an active member of Job’s Daughters, being crowned Queen.

On Oct. 28, 1956, she married John Kenneth Irick. They lived in Great Bend, Russell and Augusta, before settling in Liberal, to set their family roots. Sharon and Kenny had three children and enjoyed over 50 years together. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2007.

After being a stay at home mother, Sharon cared for residents at Liberal Good Samaritan Center. She later worked for the Petroleum Club in Liberal as bookkeeper and then manager. She was an amazing gardener and even more skilled in the kitchen. Her holiday cooking, along with her sense of humor and enthusiasm will be treasured memories for all.

She is survived by her son, Kenny Scott Irick; daughters, Karla (Greg) Allen and Karin (Rick) Gokey; four grandchildren, Jordan Allen, Jamie Allen, Ryan Gokey and Kayla Gokey; her sisters, Sheryl Chevalier and Shar (Jerry) Edmonds; and many nieces and nephews.

Family, friends and others whose lives Sharon touched are invited to her home, 516 N. Tulane, Liberal, Kansas, at 1 p.m. on Sept. 10 to celebrate her life. Special thanks to the Neurology ICU staff at University of Colorado Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.

The world is now a lesser place.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 4, 2011**