Sharen Darlene Szoke Howerton lived her life filled with love for family and desire to help others. She passed away at home on December 21, 2017 with her husband, her lifetime love, by her side. Sharen's abiding love for her husband, children, and grandchildren extended to many who knew her as "Grandma Sharen," as she was the happiest when caring for other people. She began life as a thrifty Illinois farm-girl who grew up to travel the world, and generously share her love with family and friends.

Sharen, and her twin sister Karen, were born on June 6, 1945 in Springfield, Illinois to Charles and Eula Mae Szoke. As a 15-year-old teenager, she met her future husband William Mac Howerton. Their love and commitment led to marriage on May 29, 1964 - one year after Sharen graduated from Elgin High School, Elgin, IL. She worked for a year, driving a car she and Bill purchased, to earn enough money for their wedding. She worked as a Nurse Aide at Sherman Hospital, Elgin, IL, real estate agent, and longtime Randall's Grocery employee while raising daughter Kimberly and son Rodney. As her family grew, she volunteered with her grandchildren's schools and events. Sharen was a great fan of Rodney and her grandson's Hayden and Dylan. Throughout the years, she attended hundreds of sporting events and football games to cheer for them. Her son and grandsons always knew she was proud of them no matter the score. She also traveled often to be with Kimberly's military family serving around the world - kids and families always loved when Grandma Sharen arrived. She loved watching the girls perform and grow into wonderful young ladies. Sharen loved traveling, was an avid bargain shopper, and loved sitting down for piping hot family meals. Her 53-year marriage and love for Bill, independence, commitment to family, and generous spirit were evident throughout her life – all who knew her felt her fierce loyalty, love, and helping hand.

Sharen is survived by her husband William Mac Howerton; daughter, Kimberly Ann Norwood and son-in-law Paul Norwood; son Rodney Brandt Howerton and daughter-in-law Teri Howerton; grandchildren, Hayden Howerton, Kaitlyn Norwood, Hannah Norwood, and Dylan Howerton. She is also survived by her twin sister, Karen Charlene Szoke, and her niece Kelli and Bill Cherry and grand nieces Caroline and Claire Cherry. In addition to her twin sister, Sharen is survived by brothers Bill Szoke, Carl Szoke, Charles Szoke, Norman Szoke, Ronald Szoke, and their families.