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Sharon Speck Obituary
1938 - 2017
Sharon Jane (nee Anderson) Speck, age 79, of Worthington Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 14, 2017, at the OSU Wexner Medical Center. Sharon was born on April 28, 1938 to the late Charles and Mary Jane (nee Velliquette) Anderson in Port Clinton, OH. She graduated from Port Clinton High School. Through a combined program at Muskingum College and Case Western Reserve University, Sharon earned her BSN to become a Registered Nurse.
After marrying Sam Speck, Sharon worked as a public health nurse in Boston while Sam completed his doctoral classes. Traveling to Africa with her husband to continue his dissertation research, she served as Director of Nursing in Malawi African Mental Hospital. After returning to New Concord, OH, Sharon worked part time as a nurse in Zanesville and Cambridge, as a staff nurse in the Muskingum College Student Health Clinic, and served nine years on the Zanesville-Muskingum County Board of Health.
Sharon participated in many volunteer activities. She volunteered with deaf children in the Zanesville City School system. She was president of the regional Self Help for Hard of Hearing People organization. She was a member of the State Committee on the Education of the Deaf and also the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Advisory Committee on Deafness and Hearing Impairment. As a true partner in her marriage, she campaigned for her husband's successful runs for the Ohio House and Senate and operated a home office for volunteers during his years in the legislature. While her husband served an appointment in Washington D.C., she volunteered for several years in the Old Executive Office Building, providing assistance to the White House. Upon returning to Ohio, Sharon became an active First Lady at Muskingum College during her husband's twelve-year tenure as college president. With diminishing vision and hearing throughout her adult life, Sharon remained a role model to all she encountered with her warmth, her independence, and her strength. In recognition of her lifelong achievements and contributions, she was awarded the 2013 Alumni Association President's Award from the Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Sharon is survived by her husband, Dr. Sam Speck, Jr. of Worthington; her sons Dr. Sam (Ellen) Speck III of LaGrange and Derek Speck of Seattle; her grandchildren, Sam Speck IV of Cincinnati, Sarah Speck of St. Louis, and Steven Speck of LaGrange; and her brother, Terry Anderson of Connecticut. Visiting hours will be held at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL 6699 N. High Street (1/2 mile south of 270) on Thursday, July 20 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at the WORTHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH on Friday, July 21 at 10:00 AM. A committal ceremony (open to the public) will be held at the New Concord Cemetery (formerly Union Township Cemetery) on Friendship Drive in New Concord, Ohio on Saturday, July 22 at 10:00 AM. Immediately after the committal ceremony, light refreshments will be served in the Atrium of the Muskingum University Library.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Speck
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Reese Tipton
July 14, 2022
Rest in Peace Sharon.
Valerie Frakes Horstman
July 29, 2021
I just discovered this obituary. I remember Mrs. Speck as a beautiful soul, a role model for many. She was a living mother and supportive wife who was strong and passionate in promoting issues close to her heart. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. I know you miss her Dr. Speck! Take care!
Reese Tipton
July 14, 2020
Sam, I think of you and Sharon frequently. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless. Reese Tipton
Carol Jean Fritz (Kistler)
November 13, 2017
Oh, Sam,
I just received the Muskingum Newletter and read of the Memorial to Sharon. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I admired both of you. Sharon was an inspiration to many of us.
Lovingly,
Carol Kistler Fritz
Franklin, NC
Jeff Swisher
August 1, 2017
Sam,
My belated sympathy on the passing of Sharon. It was a pleasure working with her back in the 80's in Zanesville getting a SHHH chapter started for the hearing impaired. It was so good to talk to her a couple of years ago at Alumni Weekend.
Todd Ambs
July 27, 2017
Sam and family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Todd Ambs
Pam Odegard
July 27, 2017
Derek, so very sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Love the picture.
I took this photo of Mom some years ago. She didn't want me to take her photo and covered her face. When she peeked to see if I gave up, I took it.
Derek Speck
July 26, 2017
July 23, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4
July 21, 2017
Sam and Ellen, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers for you in this most difficult time. Bob and Nancy Keiser
Loretta Workman
July 21, 2017
Sam and Derek, so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Loretta Workman
July 21, 2017
Sam and family, I was so sorry to learn of Sharon's passing. She was a wonderful person and the term "class act" seems an apt descriptor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kip Howard
Cindi Supers
July 21, 2017
Dr. Speck and family,
Please know of our deepest sympathies. Mrs. Speck was obviously an accomplished and well respected wife, mother and citizen.
Peace and best wishes be with you.
Cindi Supers
Kent State University at Tuscarawas
Business and Community Services
Bill Myers
July 21, 2017
Sam and members of the Speck family: Jane and I are so sorry for your loss. Sharon was a remarkable person and I fondly remember having many discussions with her concerning the state of local public health in Ohio. She was a passionate advocate for public health and for persons with limitations. Sharon was also one of the most gracious people that I have ever known and was a wonderful partner for you Sam as "first lady" at Muskingum. She will be missed and our prayers are with you and your family.
Jane and Bill Myers
Columbus City Health Commissioner (retired)
Former president of the Muskingum Alumni Council
Judge Ray Miller
July 20, 2017
It was one of the joys of my life and that of my late wife to have known Sharon. She was a graceful and welcoming person who will always remain in my memories. My sincere condolences to Sam, her family and her many friends.
Walter Offinger
July 20, 2017
Dear Sam & Speck Family:
We are so sorry to hear about Sharon.
May the good memories be of help to you during this difficult time.
We always enjoyed the many time and experiences we had together with you and Sharon. She will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
"Sam" & Walt
Sarel & Walter Offinger
Michele Willis
July 20, 2017
Sam,
I am very sorry about the loss of Sharon. I remember her always a gracious, friendly, lovely woman, and thoughtfully packing me a sandwich for several road trips.:-) Your endearing comments at ODNR about your wife always showed your deep love for her. Many blessing to you and your family.
Edward R.
July 19, 2017
Dear Sam,
This afternoon at the low vision support group meeting at the Griswold Center an announcement was made about Sharon's passing. I was so sorry to hear that sad news.
As you may know Sharon was a long-time member of that support group. I would see you dropping her off for our meetings.
I want to extend my sympathy to you and to the other members of your family. May you find strength and comfort.Nice family memories will live on with all of you.
Linda
July 19, 2017
Dear Sam and family - I'm devastated to hear the sad news about cousin Sherry. I'm so glad that we were able to have brunch with you both a few weeks ago with Sonnie and Owen. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sherry is soaring on the wings of Eagles to a peaceful place. Love to all - Linny (ferguson). Aunt Ruths daughter.
Monte Tipton
July 19, 2017
Sam, I am very sorry to hear of Sharon passing, She was a very caring and wonderful lady. Reese(Monte)Tipton..
samuel colmery
July 19, 2017
Sam and I roomed together at Muskingum while serving as counselors (now called "residence assistants) for our senior year. I had long committed to "the girl back home" to whom I've been married nearly 58 years, while Sam was still searching for that perfect girl. Along came Sharon, and Sam knew the search was over. Geography kept the two couples apart, however we would meet once or twice at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Though hardly knowing us, Sharon was always gracious and friendly. We were informed of Sharon's passing by her dear friend, Marge Geho. Having lost a son and daughter-in-law to an airline crash many years ago, we can only state the obvious...Sharon is now in a better place with God in Heaven. Our prayers for Sam and their family will continue. Sam and Charlotte Colmery, Aurora Ohio.
July 18, 2017
Sam, I am so sorry to hear of Sharon's death. She was a special lady and I enjoyed getting to know her better when I was President of the Faculty Wives Club at Muskingum. I remember helping her out at the Manse with faculty receptions, etc. She was a joy to be around. I know you will miss her daily but remember how blessed you were to be together.
Barbara Rataiczak
Alice Graham
July 18, 2017
We are thinking of you and remembering such good times together planning, decorating and dancing together. Sharon will be deeply missed.
Alice and Clay Graham.
John Dinwiddie
July 18, 2017
Dear Dr. Speck, I was very sorry to learn about your wife Sharon's passing. I remember her warmth and welcome when we would arrive at your New Concord home very late at night from Columbus. It was January of 1972 when you had me interning at the Ohio Legislature. Please accept my condolences and know that my wife and I are keeping you in our prayers.
John Dinwiddie
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