 BLOOMINGTON - Sharon Rea Chestney, 65, Bloomington, died at 6:45 p.m. Friday (Jan. 4, 2008) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Kibler-Smith Memorial Home, Bloomington. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ron Thacker officiating. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312 in her memory.
Sharon was born Aug. 24, 1942, in Normal, a daughter of Raymond B. Bennett and Stella Reiner Bennett. She was a lifelong resident of Bloomington and a proud graduate of Bloomington High School, Class of 1960, "Go you Raiders!". She was a barber for 10 years and had worked at Lee's Barber Shop in Bloomington.
Sharon was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Bloomington and had worked in the office there and served on the church board.
She loved life and her family, especially her grandchildren. "Grammee," as she was known to her grandchildren, was very doting and nothing would bring a smile to her face quicker than they could. Sharon also loved to read and was an avid Bears fan. On Nov. 26, 1960, Sharon married Denny Chestney in Bloomington, he survives.
In addition to her husband, Denny, Sharon is survived by two children, a son, Steven Bennett (Lisa) Chestney, Bloomington, and a daughter, Stacy (Wayne) Barton, Pueblo, Colo.; a sister, Sandra (Frank) Maesky, Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren, Shane Bennett Chestney, Spencer Callahan Chestney, Denny Ray Barton and David Lee Barton.
Sharon is further survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives. She is also survived by her good friend, Eleanor. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents.
Sharon was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. "Our world will not be the same without her."
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The following were written by classmates for our 50th Reunion Booklet. Led by a dedicated team of local classmates, the project was titled:
"BHS CLASS OF '60 FOOTPRINTS"
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Sharon was in Mr. Aikin's homeroom with me. I remember her as someone who was willing to step up and help with projects. I believe it was our sophomore year that we entered a float in the Homecoming parade. Only a few, including Mack Beauford, Jerry Alvey and Sharon showed up at my house to work on the float. She was a kind and helpful person, and I am glad that I knew her. We were both in GAA, but my memories of her are more centered on being in homeroom together.
(Susan Bicket)
I believe I met Sharon for the first time in 7th grade. We were in the same home room together. I never got to know her in a deep way but one thing I will always remember about Sharon in all of our school years together was how sweet and friendly she was when I did talk with her. I also remember as well that she had such a nice smile and just from her looks I thought she was a very smart person. Hind sight they say is 20/20 and in this case it is true, because looking back if I know what I know now I would have gotten to know Sharon a lot better. It really would have been worth it.
(Dave Curry)
Oh Sharon, what fun we had - - A Class called distribution education-- we went into it not really knowing what it was, but a possible future in the business world, plus we got out of gym class. Well, we ended up working a “job” which we received school credit for. Our first project was a display window at school showing the products we were “working” with. I donʼt remember now what yours was but mine was from Osco Drug. Try displaying that. We all got good grades--you exceeded as always. We all had a great time and it was a learning experience and it was great knowing you.
(Morey Barekman)