Sharon Tice

The world lost a little bit of sparkle on September 8, 2025, when Sharon Ann O’Conner Tice (a/k/a Shan or Shanny), age 82, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away at Northeast Regional Hospital in Kirksville, Missouri.

Born May 4, 1943, to Kenneth and Helen O’Conner, Sharon was the second child and proud little sister to her brother, Gary. She grew up with a quick wit, a warm heart, and enough charm to be crowned Moravia’s Homecoming Queen in 1961.

In 1966, she married Steve Shepard, with whom she raised her family until 1984. In 1993, she married Everett (Ed) Tice, her loving partner in life’s later chapters. Sharon devoted 37 years to serving as the Clerk of Court for Appanoose County, a role where her kindness and dedication touched countless lives. She truly seemed to know everyone, and no matter where she went, she had a gift for turning strangers into friends.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Serena Shepard, her brother Gary O’Conner, and stepdaughter Charlotte Tice. We imagine their reunion was filled with laughter, hugs, and maybe some playful debate.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Ed, who will forever miss his Lil’ Darlin. She also leaves behind her daughter Shimene Shepard; her son Slade and his wife Erica Shepard, along with two granddaughters Stella and Scarlett who will forever know how they were adored by Gaga; and her stepson Bill Tice.

Sharon’s life was filled with grace, spontaneity, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. She loved shopping for clothes (whether she wore them or not was another story), and she poured her heart into her beloved home—especially the front porch, which she joyfully decorated for every season. Sharon was happiest at the center of a lively gathering of friends or family, where her warmth and energy drew people close. One of her most memorable adventures was the time she and Ed spontaneously drove to Atlanta, unannounced and unplanned, just to watch her granddaughter’s volleyball tournament. That was Sharon: surprising, loving, and unwaveringly devoted to her family.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia with Sharon's family present. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church, 603 W State St, Centerville, IA 52544 with Sonny Walker officiating. Please feel free to come in something bright, sparkly, or fabulous, just the way she would have wanted. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia followed by a Luncheon back at the church in Centerville. Memorials have been established to the family and will be directed at a later date.

In her honor, hug someone you love, eat dessert first, buy the shoes, cheer loudly from the bleachers, and don’t take life too seriously—Sharon sure didn’t.