Sharon Kay (Toburen) Springer, age 82, of Westmoreland, passed away peacefully Monday, October 30, 2023, in Westmoreland, KS.
She was born on September 5, 1941, at Saint Mary Hospital in Manhattan to Hazel (Weber) and Kenneth Toburen of Cleburne, KS. Raised in the Swede Creek community on a small farm, Sharon was the eldest of three children, followed by brothers Lyn and Barrie. She spent time as a member of the Swede Creek United Methodist Church and the Swede Creek 4-H Club. Sharon’s affection for animals began on the family farm where her father bred Rough Collies, and she often hid her favorite puppies from potential buyers. Sharon’s life was filled with many pets, including Biscuit, her current fur baby, who brought her much comfort in her final years.
Sharon graduated in 1959 from Blue Valley High School in Randolph, KS. She continued her education by attending Kansas State University from 1959 - 1962 and then trained as an X-ray technician under Dr. Roger Wallace at the Manhattan Medical Center. Sharon began her career in 1964 at the Memorial Hospital of Manhattan and continued to work in the radiology department at Dechairo Hospital of Westmoreland, Candlewood Physicians of Manhattan, and Stormont-Vail /Cotton-O’Neil of Wamego, retiring in 2008.
On June 2, 1962, Sharon married her high school sweetheart, Jerrol Lynn Springer, in the Swede Creek United Methodist Church. They had three children, Kim, Pam, and Doug, and their family expanded with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sharon loved sharing her childhood traditions, including Christmas cookie baking and playing Bingo and Pig with her family.
Influenced by her family, especially her father, Sharon developed a strong religious faith and a passion for spreading the Word of God. She was a dedicated member of Westmoreland United Methodist Church, known for her various acts of service, including choir participation, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and helping initiate the Kids After-School Program. Sharon played a vital role in bringing the Harvesters food program to Westmoreland, which led her to establish Westmoreland’s sole local food pantry, Loaves and Fishes-Food Pantry.
Sharon deepened her knowledge of Christianity through local Bible study and by leading the local chapter of United Methodist Women (UMW). As an enthusiastic reader, she drew inspiration from the UMW reading list to promote global social justice and held several UMW District positions, including Kansas East Conference Representative to the National Conference. Sharon used her talents to create several quilted district banners for presentation at National UMW Conferences.
Sharon spent most Friday nights cheering for the Westy Wildcats and later the K-State Wildcats. She enjoyed photography, scrapbooking, and quilting. Sharon’s sewing skills were exceptional; she crafted a wealth of items for her family, including her daughter’s wedding dresses, as well as altering clothing for numerous people, earning her the nickname “Princess Presser Foot” in the local Red Hat Society. She was also a skilled gardener, successfully cultivating a wide variety of flowers, including her beloved daylilies.
Sharon is survived by three children: Kim Clopton and husband Robby of Liberty Hill, Texas; Pam Lauer and husband Joe of Olsburg; Doug Springer and wife Jenny of Wamego; one brother, Barrie Toburen and wife Beverly of Westmoreland; one sister-in-law, Sheryl Toburen of Manhattan; six grandchildren: Makynna Hood, Garrison Clopton, Jarrid Lauer (Jana), Laurel Wahl (Chris), Jake Springer, and Sara Springer; and two great grandchildren, Reddick Lauer and Ria Lauer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerrol Springer; parents, Kenneth and Hazel Toburen; and brother, Lyn Toburen.
The family will receive friends from 6 - 8:00 p.m. on November 9, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Westmoreland, KS.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 10, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Westmoreland, KS, with luncheon to follow. A private family inurnment will be held at the Carnahan Creek Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in Sharon Springer’s name to be distributed to the Loaves and Fishes-Food Pantry of the United Methodist Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. Sharon would be touched by your continued support to keep the food pantry serving those in need.