Margaret Sharon Koons, 82, of Columbus, KS, died at her home at 10:48 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
She was born on January 15, 1942, in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Owen and Laura (Moore) Pryor.
Sharon graduated from Columbus High School in 1960. During her high school years, she was an active member of the marching band and performed for Eisenhower's inauguration in 1953. She was elected Checoukan Queen.
On August 24, 1959, she was united in marriage to Ward L. Koons, at the St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Scammon, KS.
Ward and Sharon raised their children in Scammon where they lived for 27 years. They relocated to New Mexico for work and later retired in Grand Lake, Grove, OK.
Sharon dedicated her life to homemaking and was a cherished member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church. She started the rosary group which continues on today. She also actively served in the Altar Society. Sharon was very involved with her children's activities including 4H, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts.
In her later years, she enjoyed traveling, the arts, and rekindled her passion for the piano. Her commitment to service extended to the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary in Columbus. She was a published author, an avid reader, and enjoyed participating in the Columbus Library book club.
She cherished her family dearly, with her grandchildren as the light of her world. A humble, kind, and passionate individual, she dedicated herself to others with a spiritual demeanor. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was an amazing mom!
Sharon is survived by her son, Paul and wife Bobbi Koons of Columbus, KS; five daughters: Mindy Dainty and husband Martin of Weir, KS; Becky Auman and husband Stan of Springfield, MO; Sheryl Teel and husband Dean of Columbus, KS; Karen Koons and wife Donna Ganey of Erie, Colorado; Julie Smith and husband John of Owasso, OK. She is also survived by her brother Tom Pryor of Columbus, KS; Tim Pryor and wife Ellen Smith of Pittsford, NY; Laura Preston and husband Phil of Peoria, AZ; Kathy Pryor and husband Jim Peterson of Lawrence, KS; John Pryor of Lawrence, KS; and Jay Pryor and wife Jessica of Lawrence, KS. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Mike, and sister Christy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the St. Bridget Catholic Church, with Father Jeremy Huser as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Bridget's Cemetery. A parish rosary was recited on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6 p.m., at Saint Bridget Catholic Church in Scammon, with visitation following the rosary.
Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com, and memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Bridget Building Fund.
Services are entrusted to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus, Kansas.
