August 9, 1943 – March 17, 2026
Obituary
Sharon Jean (Westblade) Texley, age 82, passed away at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL. A resident of the Carillon community in Plainfield for the past 20 years and formerly of Lindsborg, Kansas, where she grew up and spent another 30 years of her adult life.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce Texley; her treasured daughter, Terri (Rick) Haymaker; and her cherished granddaughters, Lucy and Ally Haymaker. She is also survived by her sister in law Phyllis Slicker, niece Tina (Dave) Smith, nephew John Slicker, and many beloved cousins from the Becker and Westblade families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Juanita Westblade.
Sharon graduated from Bethany College with a B.A.in English Education, earned a Master of Arts (English) from Kansas State University and a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University. She was an English teacher and librarian at Lindsborg HS/Smoky Valley HS, and supported schools with educational technology at Learning Point Associates. Sharon and Bruce launched two small businesses: a used book store and fiber optic installation.
Sharon loved her family with her whole heart–held her cousins as close as siblings, cared for her friends like family, and saw her students as little miracles. A teacher and librarian for 30 years, she inspired generations of students to explore new ideas, to find joy in reading and often to become teachers themselves. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom.
She found delight in traveling, both internationally and in cross country road trips; hiking in national parks; playing cards with family and friends; and settling in with a good book. She cared deeply about social justice, sustainability, and advancing global humanity.
Sharon’s life was defined by openness, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the world—and people– around her. She will be remembered with great love by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Terri,
You were three years old when your mother and I joined several other women to become the 5th City Cabaret Troupe. We shared such incredible times, and she and I went on to moonlight as cocktail waitresses together for an undoubtedly mob-owned joint on Rush Street. She was one classy lady.
Who would have imagined two Kansas girls singing, dancing and hawking drinks in Chicago with such panache.
Please give your dad my love. I hold Sharon close to my heart.
~~ Cheryl (formerly Truman) Hood Addington
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my mom, Sharon Texley, passed away peacefully earlier this week.
One of her favorite poems, “Summer Day” by Mary Oliver, ends with “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
She lived her life with purpose, curiosity, kindness and love, She truly cherished her relationship with you, whether you were family or fiend (which she really co-mingled anyway).
Her passion in life was opening our eyes and hearts to the magic of literature and its impact on our lives. She would share a good book, accompanied by some excellent conversations. And maybe a good glass of wine (except not in the classroom, of course).
She loved her family deeply,w whether nearby or far away. Time spent with all of them fueled her soul. She had 61 blissful years married to the love of her l.ife and her best friend. She was a role model to me in a million ways, giving me big-hearted support every step of my life. And the sparky twinkle in her eye came from the best title of all, MorMor.
My dad, Bruce, and I appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and love over the last months of her life. It has meant the world to us.
~~ Terri Haymaker, Daughter
Terri, I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to your dad and your entire family. Your mom (and dad) will always have a place in my heart.
I knew Sharon from London as a young teenager going to a foreign high school and away from my family. We had little money working for a not-for-profit but never felt the hardship, partly because of your mom and the care she would always show whether it be coming home from school a bit overwhelmed with a smile and conversation about my day, or being away from family during the holidays.
I’ll never forget her smile like the one in the pictures here or her laugh. Many stories to tell of my time with her that maybe only your dad and mom would appreciate (I think you were too young then, Terri). One I recall that I’ll let your dad tell the details, is we attended with a group a royal philharmonic orchestra performance with the queen in attendance. At the end of the performance a fellow teenager, that your mom also helped care for, vomited right in front of the queen, leaving your mom and one other to somehow gracefully try to clean up amidst the British pomp and circumstance. This was because the donated baby food we had with curry earlier that day did not agree with him. (Another story!). She only smiled, assured him it would be ok, and helped to usher him out with the rest of us.
I have many other fond and funny memories of her. Prayers and hugs to all of you and know that even as you grieve you will celebrate her life and the memories of how she touched all of you. I will do so as I remember how she touched my life.
~~ Mark Jewel
