Sharon Rector Obituary

Sharon DeAnne Sims was born, May 28, 1952, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Oney and Ruth Sims who have preceded her in death. Her siblings are Darla Sims Scott of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Denise Mullis of Bedford, Indiana. Her brother Oney Sims preceded her in death as well.
DeAnne grew up in West Terre Haute, IN where she attended grade school. While in middle school, she became known as DeAnne because there were so many girls named Sharon in her class.
She graduated from West Vigo High School in 1970. Following graduation, she attended Indiana State University, where she majored in Merchandising Management. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1974. DeAnne found employment as an assistant buyer for Meis Department Store.
While a student at ISU, she met Martin Rector in 1972 at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. DeAnne, a devout believer, was saved in 1969 at a Baptist revival she attended at the invitation of a school friend.
Marty and DeAnne were married on June 28, 1974. Their union was blessed with two children: Kimberly, who is married to Emmanuel Sangar, and Kevin, who is married to April. They were also blessed with three grandchildren: Benjamin, Lily, and Isaac.
DeAnne loved the outdoors, following her passion for working in her flower and vegetable garden. She did not keep her gardening enthusiasm to herself, encouraging her family to join her in trying fried pumpkin blossoms.
Few non-professional arborists exceeded DeAnne's knowledge of flowers and trees, especially Midwest varieties. Our sister-in-law Michelle, however, once asked her about a flower in Florida and she was stumped. She was a true Hoosier through and through.
DeAnne was an avid hiker, enjoying the trails in state parks as well as long walks around the neighborhood. One of her favorite environments was walking along the shore line of the Siesta Key beach in Sarasota, FL.
DeAnne loved the camaraderie of playing games with friends and family. Her favorite game was Canasta.
After Marty and DeAnne moved to Avon they began attending Westside Church of the Nazarene and were involved in various ministries especially working with teens and single young adults. Marty and DeAnne were mentors and small group leaders to young families within the church.
DeAnne served in teen ministries for 25+ years at church and was the coordinator for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. DeAnne worked at Brownsburg High School overseeing study halls, but in typical DeAnne fashion, she turned many of her experiences into a ministry to teenagers.
One former church youth director said that DeAnne had a unique gift in reaching out to "the kid in the corner". She would build a relationship and become very encouraging, a close confidant, as well as a praying friend.
DeAnne was known by family and friends as a lady of prayer. Many of her friends said she taught them how to pray and she often prayed for others at the spur of the moment.
She was a faithful and loving wife for 50 years of marriage to Marty, and her family adored her. As a part of her legacy, her children and spouses are actively serving the Lord in their respective churches. Lily, as a 9th grader plays the keyboard in the praise team at the church she attends with her family.
She is at home with our Lord in that place called Paradise. While we live into the promise of a joyous, future reunion, for now, her laughter and love for Jesus will be missed by all.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm Friday, April 18, 2025, at Westside Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Dave Thornhill officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield.
DeAnne's funeral service will be live-streamed. You may view by Clicking Here.
Friends may call at the church from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday and 10:00 am until noon Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Westside Church of the Nazarene Teen Department by Clicking Here.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.
The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Sharon DeAnne Rector.