Sharon Kay Francis , 80, of rural Columbia City, died peacefully at home in the company of family in the afternoon of Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Born on January 13, 1945, at Luckey Hospital in Wolf Lake, she was the daughter of the late Merle L. and Pearl (Kraft) Keirn.  She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1963.

On August 29, 1964, she married Wendel G. Francis.  They made their home initially in Thorncreek Township (Columbia City), then moving to Lexington, Kentucky and ultimately settling in Jefferson Twp. during their 60-year journey together, raising four children.

In addition to being a homemaker, Sharon worked as a medical assistant for Fort Wayne Colorectal and, more recently, Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology.  Passionate about the care of her patients, she often greeted them with her contagious smile, building a caring relationship.  She also previously owned and operated, along with her best friend, a small clothing store called Wee Folk Fashions in Columbia City.

Sharon was a devoted mother and grandmother whose love knew no bounds and whose gentle spirit touched everyone around her. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—planting vibrant flowers that brought color to every season, getting lost in the pages of a good book, and expressing her creativity through gift giving.  Never one to leave the house without being prim and proper, her crisp collars and polished manners were very endearing.  At home, she ruled the laundry room with unmatched precision, proudly holding her crown as the family's beloved "laundry queen." In her younger years, she was known affectionately as "Slugger" for her impressive talent on the softball field.  Sharon also brought that same passion and energy to every aspect of her life. A lover of spontaneous road trips and festive holiday gatherings, she was always up for an adventure with her family and thought you could never have too much food.  She never missed a chance to cheer from the sidelines at her grandchildren's games, competitions, recitals, and milestones.   Whether she was tending to her garden or sharing quiet moments with family, she brought beauty, warmth, and love into every space she entered.

Sharon is survived by her beloved husband, Wendel; her children, Kristi Francis Manwaring of Fort Wayne, Scott Francis of Fort Wayne, Kyle (Abbey) Francis of Columbia City, and Megan Francis (Scott) Long of Fishers; her grandchildren Derek (Jessica) Casper, Danielle (Brandon) Hetzner, Dylan (Kinzie) Manwaring, Logan, Lucas, Levi, Landon, and Lincoln Francis, and Avery, Adelyn, and Hayden Long; and her  great-grandchildren Reece, Jett, Haven, Camdon, Harlow, Caluhan, Loxlee, and Koburn.

Sharon was preceded in death by her daughter Abbie Renee Francis and her parents, Merle and Pearl Keirn.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City with visiting hours prior to the service beginning at 12 p.m.    Burial will be at the Stough Cemetery.

Memorials in Sharon's honor are to Stillwater Hospice.