Sharon Gonzales

Sharon Lucille Engle Gonzales was born on April 13, 1945, in Abilene, Kansas, and passed away on November 28, 2025, held close by her family. She shared a remarkable love story with her husband of 57 years, Richard Gonzales—a leather-jacketed city boy who swept the farm girl off her feet. Together, they were affectionately known as "Salt and Pepper," Richard's playful name for the duo whose opposites balanced each other beautifully. Their home was filled with the love (and occasional chaos) of three children—Brian Gonzales, Jill Gonzalez-Bravo (Miguel), and Joy Fry (Jason)—and the grandchildren who brought Sharon such delight Rachel, Eden, Antonio, Keller, Lilly, Elena, Eva, and Isabel. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Pauline Engle, and her siblings Elaine Derrick, Duane Engle, and Albert Engle. Compassion guided every chapter of Sharon's life. After graduating from Miltonvale Christian High School in 1963, she earned her nursing diploma from Stormont School of Nursing in 1965, a BSN from Pittsburg State University, and an MSN from the University of Kansas. Sharon cared for countless relatives through illness and at life's end, offering dignity to each. When Parkinson's Disease arrived, her children returned that devotion. Even as symptoms progressed, Sharon's voice remained—singing hymns throughout her final years, every word remembered—a gift to those caring for her until just days before heaven called her home. Beyond her family, Sharon distinguished herself as a nurse whose career spanned from bedside care to serving as Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. She shaped the nursing profession as an inspiring administrator, professor, and speaker, and was honored as Oklahoma Wesleyan University's Outstanding Alumnus. Sharon believed in the "intelligent caring" of nursing, an approach grounded in genuine relationships, tender care, and representing Christ in every interaction. A strategic builder of cultures rooted in forgiveness and grace, she reminded colleagues and graduates alike, "We all need each other. Invest in the success of others—develop a culture of we-ness." She anchored this belief in Ecclesiastes 4:10, teaching that "a threefold cord is not easily broken." A strong advocate for women in leadership, Sharon navigated the contradictions of her era with wit and courage, charting new territory while also perfecting casseroles and bran muffins, proving that ambition and motherhood were not opposites but a juggling act she performed with remarkable flair. And what flair she had. Sharon treated shopping like a sport, with an uncanny ability to find the perfect gift, perfect outfit, and perfect deal. Yet beneath that polished exterior was a woman wonderfully silly and joy-filled. Sharon was a captivating storyteller whose humor—often at her own expense—brought laughter so deep it made faces ache. Sharon’s steadfast faith in Jesus Christ shaped every aspect of her life. She often spoke of setbacks as blessings that redirected her path, trusting rather than striving, living by her cherished conviction 'When I gave it to the Lord, He put me where He wanted me… divine leading and intervention!' Sharon's presence was a gift to all who knew her. Her family finds comfort knowing that her lifelong encouragement to 'go light the world with the love of Jesus' will continue to shine brightly through the countless lives she touched. Sharon leaves behind a family who adored her and a legacy of faith, service, humor, and love that will endure for generations. Sharon will be privately interred in Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas, near the Singing Tower—a location her family found fitting. Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Grace Point Church, 5400 SW Huntoon Street, Topeka KS 66604, where Celebration of Sharon’s Life will begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oklahoma Wesleyan University for the Sharon Gonzales Nursing Scholarship sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, or online at http://www.okwu.edu/give.

Sharon Gonzales

April 13, 1945 - November 28, 2025