Sharon Faye Ward

Sharon Faye Ward, 76, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 2:10 a.m.
Born a twin on March 7, 1949, in Johnston City, Illinois, Sharon brought warmth and kindness into the world from the very beginning. She was the beloved daughter of Ted and Wanda Martin, and throughout her life she cherished her family deeply. Sharon also had a special place in her heart for her pets, loving them as faithfully as they loved her.
Sharon found joy in the simple, beautiful things in life. She loved casting a line on a quiet day of fishing, dancing whenever the music moved her, and filling every room with laughter. She often said she "just loved to laugh," and those who knew her will remember that laughter as one of her greatest gifts.
Sharon was preceded in death by her husband James Ward; her parents; son-in-law Greg Baxter; and brothers-in-law Larry Wheat, David Graff, and Ron Rogers.
She is survived by her fiancé Larry Schleifer; daughter Dana Baxter; son Scott Sapp; sisters Janet (Claude) Filkins, her twin sister Karen Wheat, Janetta Rogers, and Beth Graff; brothers Ted (Sheila) Martin and Doug (Cheryl) Martin; and grandchild Reina Sapp.
Services will be held on Friday November 21, 2025 in the Union Funeral Home at 7:00pm with Pastor Larry Stevens officiating.. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Lung Association and the Susan G. Koman Foundation