J. Sharlene Knopp

J. Sharlene Knopp, age 89, passed away at home Friday, January 30, 2026.

She was born in Shelby County, Indiana in a residence that previously had served as the Hankins one-room schoolhouse. Sharlene made her initial appearance in the world on April 12, 1936, on the birthday of her father and his twin brother. Her parents, tenant farmers, were Roy A. and Dorothy May (Gray) Taylor. She married Bobbie Knopp on April 13, 1956, and he preceded her in death.

Mrs. Knopp is survived by five children: Brenda Crenshaw, Shelbyville; Steve Knopp, Salem; Roy (Gretchen Morgan) Knopp, Shelbyville; Carla Knopp and Lisa Knopp, both of Indianapolis. Her four siblings survive: Marvin (Marge) Taylor of Indianapolis; Robert Taylor (Mary) of Fairland; Rhonda (Jim) Luurtsema of Elwood; and Alfred (Diane) Taylor of Shelbyville. Grandchildren include Aaron, Ryan, Amber and David Knopp. Bonus grandchildren: Donna Domiano and Michelle Armstrong; and Dean Morgan (deceased). Great grandchildren include Blayne, Mayah, Kendra, Clayton, Jaxson, twins Damian and Dominic, Jenna, Jackson, and Scarlet, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Two sisters-in-law Judy and Jane also preceded her in death.

Sharlene attended grade school at Boggstown and graduated in 1954 from Fairland High School. She played bass drum in high school and Farm Bureau bands, learned to play piano, and became a skilled organist following two lessons. A long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church, she formerly served in various capacities including organist, Sunday School teacher, treasurer, and on various committees.

Meticulous and always up to a challenge, Sharlene worked at G.E. where she met her future husband; Major Hospital; then Dr. Arthur S Roberts office where she was office manager and earned an extension degree in dental assisting from the University of North Carolina. After her initial retirement, she went on to become accounting manager for Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc. and ended her job history by working in accounting at Ryobi.

A positive approach to life, her determination and strong faith supported her through much adversity. Family was very important to her and she shared a special bond with her siblings, as well as each of her children. Knitting house slippers to gift family members became an annual tradition. As an accomplished archer, a sport she enjoyed with her spouse, Sharlene was an active member in the Blue River Bowmen, the Indiana Field Archery Association (IFAA), National Field Archery Association, and served in archery leadership roles at the local and state levels. Her efforts in honing her skills led to numerous awards and championships, beginning in 1964 with a first-place trophy at an IFAA district shoot. She accomplished two indoor and one outdoor NFAA National tourney wins in senior female freestyle and professional senior female freestyle divisions 1995 – 1997. In 1995, she and Bob were recognized with IFAA Lifetime Achievement awards.

A brief service will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Murphy Parks Funeral Services in Shelbyville with Steve Knopp presiding. Following the service, a gathering of family and friends will be at the Briley Center for refreshments and visitation. Burial will be at a later date at Whispering Hope Memorial Gardens following cremation.

Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve the Knopp family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com