Sharon Lee Von (Neal) Bickham, 93, of Huntsville passed away peacefully and walked through the gates of heaven on August 5, 2023, at Green Hills Community surrounded by her family.
Sharon was born at home on July 9, 1930 in Sidney, Ohio, a daughter of the late Walter Dale and Leyetta (Glick) Neal. She was born during a much simpler time in this world and she looked back fondly on those memories of such things as being a car hop at Bob In and Bob Out in Russells Point, riding her bike to swim at O’Connor’s Landing or rolling skating with the skates her future husband Harold gave her.
Sharon married Harold E Bickham on October 5, 1946, in Brookeville, Kentucky and he proceeded her in death on March 10, 2008. Sharon and Harold eloped shortly after he came home from serving in World War II. He said as soon as he saw Sharon as he got off the bus, he knew he would marry her someday. She was also proceeded in death by her son Edwin D Bickham, her brother John E Neal, and her sister Jean Ann Houseworth and her husband, Vaughn Houseworth, grandsons Douglas I Bickham, Edwin S Bickham, and great-great granddaughter Breanne L Bickham.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Rosalee (Tom) Wise, sons Dan (Susan Evans) Bickham and Rod (Barbara) Bickham. Also, ten grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, four step grandchildren, and eight step great grandchildren.
Sharon loved being a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. When grandchildren came along, she and Harold babysat their grandchildren which brought them both so much joy. At a time in her life when most people would be cutting back, she started a career driving a school bus for Indian Lake Schools which she lasted for eighteen years. She even participated in the Ohio School Bus Driver Road-E- O and was recognized as one of the top drivers.
Sharon cherished her family and was the most avid sports fan and cheerleader for her children and grandchildren. Also, she took after her father and loved the Cincinnati Reds. She enjoyed going out to eat with her former coworkers and friends. Marrying into the Bickham Family which the local covered bridge is named after lead her to a lifetime interest in visiting covered bridges with her friend Carol Skeen. She meticulously maintained her home that her father had built for Sharon and her family and her beautiful yard well into her nineties up until the point that her health made it impossible for her to continue.
Sharon attended Cornerstone Church at Huntsville formerly known as Huntsville United Methodist Church and was baptized in that church on Sunday December 18, 2011. Anyone who would like to make a memorial contribution in her memory may donate to Cornerstone Church in Huntsville.
Sharon’s family would like to give special thanks to all the staff at Green Hills Community who cared for Sharon with respect, dignity and compassion. There are so many people who deserve their gratitude and who went above and beyond in caring for Sharon and helping her family navigate all the decisions necessary to give her the very best. The people who devote themselves to making life better for their residents including those who prepare their meals, clean the facility, administration, and all the medical staff from the aids, therapy department, and nurses. A special thanks to her BFF Michelle. Also, thank you to Dr. Charles Kratz for his excellent medical care and compassionate advice for Sharon and her family.
Sharon’s memorial service will be conducted at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home, 5591 U.S. Route 68, West Liberty, Ohio on Aug. 9, with a viewing preceding the service starting at 11 a.m. Burial will be immediately following the memorial service at Highland Memorial Cemetery in West Liberty.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com.
