Sharon Zimmerman, 79, passed away May 2, 2020 at her home in Bonner Springs, KS. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She began life’s wonderful journey on March 27, 1941, the daughter of Price W. and Elizabeth M. (Kimsey) Heimer in Winfield, KS. After graduating from Winfield High School in 1959, she studied briefly at Southwestern College before moving to Lawrence, KS and beginning her long career as a Jayhawk fan. She worked as a dental assistant in the 1980’s before beginning her last job with the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. In 2003, she retired from this position, earning the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.
On March 29, 2002, Sharon married her best friend, Richard “Dick” Zimmerman, at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. Both she and Dick enjoyed jaunts to the casino and would win quite often. They especially enjoyed traveling and took several trips each year, often with family or friends. They explored the world together, collecting seashells and stacking rocks to mark their presence. When home, they enjoyed playing cards, board games, and swimming with their children and grandchildren.
Sharon was a kind, independent woman who often joked that her middle name was “Go.” She cherished time with friends no matter the activity. Whether it was attending local events, grabbing a movie and espinaca or playing Bunko, Sharon was always ready to go! She was an avid tennis player, an activity surpassed only by her love of reading. For those who knew her, it was not unusual to hear she had stayed up most of the night to finish a good book. On weekends, she could be found at the Bonner Springs Library, where the staff knew her by name.
As the matriarch of the family, she was known for her generosity, love of hummingbirds, and vast collection of reusable containers, in which she gladly sent home leftovers from the many family gatherings she hosted. She graciously took in her children’s cats when needed (all named Kitty), although none could compare to her beloved dog, Cha Cha. She loved gardening (tomatoes were her passion) and had a deep fondness for irises, orchids, and white lilies. Sharon loved all holidays and the traditions associated with them—decorating sugar cookies at Christmas, singing happy birthday over the phone, and eating homemade egg noodles at Thanksgiving.
Though no longer physically with us, Sharon’s legacy lives on. She is survived by her children Craig Shanks (Pam); Kristin Davis; Ryan Shanks (Amber); Phillip Bradshaw (Brea); Christina Bialek (Steven); Jennifer Kim (Ben); 12 grandchildren including Caitlin Courtney (Brett), Meghan Casto (Brian), Alex and Zachary Davis, Michaela Sullivan, Madison Shanks, Paige and Brooke Bradshaw, Jaiden and Rylee Bialek, Payton and Liam Kim; and 5 great grandchildren with a great granddaughter on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, John Heimer (Cheryl), of Mayfield, KS.
Out of respect for the health and safety of those who love Sharon, a celebration of life and internment next to her beloved Dick Zimmerman in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery must be postponed until a later date. Please refer to Ryan and Kristin’s Facebook pages for an announcement or reach out to the family directly. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Bonner Springs Public Library in care of Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, Bonner Springs, KS.