Sharon Lorraine Derham

Sharon Lorraine Derham was born in Des Moines, Iowa, the only daughter of Don and Ethel Derham, six years after her brother Don. She grew up wrapped in the love of her parents, dressed in the finest handmade clothing sewn by her mother, and cherished as a true daddy's girl. She attended East High School, as did her parents, brother and her daughters and she was very proud of the East legacy.

One of her favorite songs growing up was "Don't Fence Me In" sung by Bing Crosby. She didn't want to be confined by society's norms and preferred her Levi button fly jeans rather than the dresses and pant suits that women her age wore. Her and her mom Ethel even convinced Grandma Pearl to wear a pantsuit to lunch one day. Grandma Pearl hated it and vowed to never wear it again but gave them permission to bury her in it, and they did just that.

At a young age, Sharon became the mother of three daughters - Cheryl (Graham) Knapp, Lorelei Graham, and Lisa (Graham) McNeal - born close together and raised with grit and a bit of creativity. As a single parent during their early years, she often worked multiple jobs to keep a roof over their heads. Rare days off were spent at the library, playing board games, or finding small adventures that didn't cost a thing.

She had a way of turning hardship into humor. When the budget was stretched thin, she'd cook pinto beans and fried potatoes and say with a grin, "At the beginning of the week we will have beans and taters, and when the beans start to run out, we will have taters and beans." Her girls learned that laughter, resilience and being true to yourself mattered far more than anything money could buy.

Sharon was intelligent, spirited, and always ready for a good time. She was also famously stubborn-a trait that proved to be a double-edged sword. Her determination helped her overcome life's challenges and stand up for what she believed in, but it also meant she could be unwavering in her opinions and choices. Those who loved her knew that her stubbornness was just another facet of her vibrant personality, sometimes leading to lively debates and always ensuring she stayed true to herself. Her favorite responses to any question were "NO" and "whatever!"

She was an avid gardener and grew much of the vegetables that fed the family during the school years and still had potted veggies once she moved to an apartment. She loved the freedom of being out on the water, the thrill of riding on the back of a motorcycle, and the joy of gathering with friends. Sharon's favorite event was the Iowa State Fair and she went every single year taking her daughters and later her granddaughters on opening day, until she was no longer able. She had a soft spot for beer, bourbon, and her Pall Malls - small rituals that became part of her unmistakable personality.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald H. Derham and Ethel Irene Derham; her brother, Donald E. Derham; her sister in law, Joyce Derham; her daughter, Lorelei Graham; and her nephew, Donald H. Derham II.

She is survived by her daughters Cheryl (Graham) Knapp and her husband Larry Knapp, and Lisa (Graham) McNeal and her husband Van McNeal; her grandchildren Cory Dunn, Allisa Dunn, Dawnna (Dunn) Kreider and her husband Fred Kreider, Emma Knapp, and Elisabeth Knapp, and her great grandchildren Khyler, Avery, Audrey, Keagan, Zayne, and Ellorei , and her niece Michelle (Derham) Ratliff and nephew Bill Derham.

Sharon also shared her life with her adorable and loyal dog, Gizmo, who brought her comfort and companionship. She treasured her lifelong friendships with Karen Bitting and Anita McGehee, whose love and support were constants throughout her life.

Sharon left this life how she lived it, on her own terms. May she rest in eternal peace and may that include a lovely garden and perhaps a bourbon.

Her family will hold a private service. Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.