Surrounded by the love of her family, Sharon Lenore Westfall, 77, transitioned from this world on Sunday morning, April 26, 2026.

Born on September 8,1948 in Barnesville, Ohio to adoring parents Kenneth and Grace Smith. Sharon made many wonderful memories growing up in nearby Bethesda, a quaint town in southern Ohio with her parents, sisters, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and furry companions. She went on to attend Kent State University where she would meet her life long companion and devoted husband of almost 53 years, Richard Westfall. They resided in Northeast Ohio and lovingly raised three children. Once retired, they moved to Townsend, Tennessee and enjoyed many adventures in the Great Smokie National Park. With an appreciation for “all things bright and beautiful," Sharon loved home decorating, reading, art, nature, and music—especially familiar hymns that moved her spirit. Her passion for new experiences led her to travel throughout North America and Europe (with her time spent studying in Oxford, England being one of her favorite experiences). She found joy in many roles throughout her career, including teaching Language Arts and holding various administrative positions at a newspaper, law firm, craft shop, art gallery, and within the beauty of Estes Park, Colorado.

Gentle and compassionate to her core, she had an especially sensitive heart for babies,children and animals and dedicated many hours to volunteering for related causes. As a devoted follower of Christ, Sharon sought to align her life with God’s will and walk faithfully in His footsteps. So much of what her children treasure today was first sparked by her, leaving them with a legacy of shared interests and a lifelong love of discovery.

Sharon was surely welcomed with open arms to the next life by the loved ones who preceded her including her gracious parents, Kenneth and Grace Smith, sister Sandra Kay Smith, cousin Gary Smith, and dear grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends.

She will be lovingly remembered by her beloved family: husband Richard, children Allison (Ben) Qualls of Colorado, Brian (Tiffany) Westfall of Illinois, and Brittany Westfall of North Carolina, sister, Linda Mae Smith of Ohio, dear cousins (many who were more like sisters to her), nieces and nephews, sisters in law, and cherished friends. The family is forever grateful for the kindness and compassion of the neighbors, in-home caregivers, and hospice workers who helped during some of the most difficult moments along the way; God truly took care of both her and her family through these angelic human hands. Sharon carried herself with vigor and grace until her last breath, enduring a years-long, tremendously difficult illness with quiet, profound resilience. Despite the changes she was experiencing with her mind and body, there was an assurance that it was and will forevermore be ‘well with her soul’. Her loved ones will always carry within the warmth of her smile, the brightness of her laughter, and many sweet memories. Those wishing to honor Sharon may consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association to support the hope for a future cure, or to Compassion International or Friends of the Smokies.