Celeste Sharp

Celeste Sharp, 97, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2021.  A deeply loved woman who was passionate about her family, she will be remembered for her loving kindness, courage, compassion, beauty, and warmth. Celeste touched the lives of many with her smile and graciousness. Hers was a life well lived. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife,  loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to everyone she met. Family always came first for Celeste.

Celeste was born September 2, 1923 in Emporia, Kansas.  She was the eldest of two children born to John and Anna Conklin.  Celeste attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Emporia High School, and Emporia State Teacher’s College. In 1946 Celeste graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and English. Additionally, she was rush captain and vice-president of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha.  After graduation, Celeste  worked as a social worker for Lyon County Kansas for 2 years.  Celeste met her future husband, Jack H. Sharp, on a blind date in 1946.  Following Jack’s return from the service in 1947, they were wed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia, Kansas on February 1, 1948.  They celebrated 64 years of marriage together.

Jack and Celeste moved to Kansas City in 1950. While Jack worked for Sharp Brothers Construction Company, Celeste managed the home.  She was involved in various church organizations and the PTA at Cure of Ars Catholic School.  She was also a weekly volunteer for library and classrooms. Celeste was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, visiting various art museums and galleries, attending theatre performances, bridge club, listening to music and watching college basketball.  Additionally, Celeste had a love for her four legged children,  (Golden Retriever, Penny; Shetland Sheepdog, Sadie; Jack Russell Terrier, Murphy); their unconditional love helped Celeste through some tough times.

Celeste and Jack enjoyed traveling. They looked forward to spending winter months at their Princeville condominium on the island of Kauai.  Later, they built a winter home in Scottsdale, Arizona and also traveled to Beaver Creek, Colorado during the summer months.  Ultimately, their home, J & L Springlake Ranch, Belton, Missouri, was where they spent time entertaining while also enjoying the solitude and beauty of “country living.”  Many an evening was spent with Jack and Celeste enjoying fishing in their private lake.  Additionally, other fishing expeditions took place in Canada, Great Slave Lake, Acapulco, and Orlando.

Celeste was spiritual to the core and truly lived her Catholic faith as a Saint Ann and Ascension Catholic Church parishioner.  She had a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother.

Her life philosophy was simple.  Be gracious and kind, keeping peace and a positive attitude.

Celeste was a source of loving and honest advice throughout our lives.  She was the “beacon of light” that both drew us to her for help and confidence, and guided us on our way in life.

Celeste was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 64 years, Jack H. Sharp, her parents, John and Anna Conklin, and sister, Ina Lou Hilton.  Celeste is survived by her children, Greg Sharp; Pinetop, Arizona, Peggy Sharp; Overland Park, Kansas, granddaughter, Jennifer McIntyre (James); Overland Park, Kansas, great-grandsons, Jackson Hirt and Henry McIntyre, Overland Park, Kansas and niece, Chris Barnes (Steve) of Wichita, Kansas.

We take comfort in knowing that Celeste and Jack are together again along with family and friends who have gone before.

“When you lose your mother you’ve lost the best friend you ever had.”

Visitation will be 10-11a.m Saturday, August 7th followed by 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas. Burial will follow at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice House 12000 Wornall Road Kansas City, Missouri 64145 and Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas, 9720 West 87th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212.