Sharon L. Semple

Sharon L. Semple, 84, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. She was born on April 12, 1941, in Whiting, Indiana, the beloved daughter of Fred and Thelma (Purbaugh) Poppen. Sharon was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School in Whiting and Augustana Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, where she earned her degree in Nursing. She married Gene C. Semple on February 1, 1983, at Fisher Chapel at Rockford University.

Sharon devoted her professional life to caring for others, serving as a Registered Nurse at SwedishAmerican Hospital and the Winnebago County Health Department. Her spirit of service extended well beyond her career; she was a faithful member of Brooke Road United Methodist Church, where she generously shared her time and talents through hospitality, sanctuary decorating, the Worship Committee, and teaching Sunday School. She was a compassionate volunteer with the UW Cancer Center, Hillman Elementary School, and Northern Illinois Hospice. Above all, Sharon was devoted to her family and known for her gracious heart, selfless compassion, and unwavering commitment to putting others first. Her life was a reflection of kindness, generosity, and a genuine desire to serve those around her.

Survived by her husband, Gene; daughter, Carolyn Kloss of Cherry Valley, her children, Connor & Kayte; son, Troy (Andrea Mason) Robey of Englewood, CO; Gene's children, Gene (Marcee) Semple, their children, Jazmin & Mitchell (Brittney), Sue (Mark) Cunningham, daughter, Allegra, and Rhonda (Ken) Tomlinson, children, Kymbre (Chris), Jake (Emily) & Emily; great-grandchildren, Emma & Elaina, Charlotte, and Finn & Calvin; and siblings, Norma Montgomery, Bob (Mary) Poppen, and Linda Lober. Predeceased by her son, Norman Talbert "Tal" Robey; parents; and siblings, Carolyn Miles, Don Poppen, Barbara Weathers. The family would like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice, especially Marty (RN), and family friend Laurie Podeszwa.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Brooke Road UMC, 1401 Brooke Rd., Rockford. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Brooke Road UMC or Northern Illinois Hospice. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.com