Sharon Yates

Sharon Kay (Cox) Yates, the cherished matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, at the age of 82, at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, surrounded by her loved ones.

A longtime resident of New Philadelphia, Sharon was born in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1942, Sharon was the daughter of Ima Mae (Mossbarger) and W. Ralph Cox. She graduated from Southeastern High School in Richmondale, Ohio in 1960 before pursuing her nursing education at Miami Valley Nursing School in Dayton, Ohio, where she graduated in 1963.

Sharon began her distinguished, 42-year nursing career at Chillicothe Hospital, as a labor and delivery nurse. After working for several years there and later at Kettering Hospital, the family moved and she devoted 26 years to Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio, from where she retired. Her dedication to her patients and profession was truly a gift.

She met her future husband, Jon Michael Yates I, in October 1966, and after a whirlwind romance, they were married on April 1 (no joke!), 1967, at the Church of the Brethren in Tucson, Ohio. They were happily married for 57 years and every year would endure jokes about whether they were really married or if it was just an elaborate prank. It most definitely was not!

Sharon was a loyal and active member of Faith Christian Church in New Philadelphia, where she was known for her kindness and faith. One of her favorite things was socializing with other members of Faith’s Small Group.

She is survived by her husband, Jon Michael Yates I; her beloved children, J. Michael (Vicki) Yates II, Christopher (Megan) Yates, and Kimberly (Dave) Pennell; her adoring grandchildren, Olivia (David) Webb, Brooke (Alex) Carroll, DeAnna (Jesse Schneider) Yates, Quinn Yates, Seth Yates, Courtney Yates, Nathan (Kianna) Adkins, Brennan (Nicole) Adkins, Justin (Mackenna Warth) Adkins, Cameron Adkins, Adrianne Chmielewski, and Evan Chmielewski; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Karen (Cox) Holden of Chillicothe, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, Ima and Ralph, brother Arlan Cox of Chillicothe and her nephew Jeff Smith of Waverly. 

The family will greet guests on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 1 – 1:45 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A service honoring Sharon’s dedication as a nurse will begin at 1:45 PM and Pastor Brian Flood will lead a celebration of Sharon’s life at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Dover Burial Park.

Sharon's warm spirit, unwavering faith, and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported Sharon during these difficult final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Faith Christian Church, 2012 Pleasant Valley Road NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.