Sharon Rae Steinkuehler, a cherished presence in the Emporia community, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 6, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on January 16, 1955, in Emporia, Kansas, Sharon was a lifelong resident of the town she loved, and she left this world in the same comforting surroundings.
Sharon was the beloved daughter of Merle Edwin Hayes and Betty Lou Hayes. She grew up alongside her brothers, Steve and Billy Hayes, forming a close-knit family that valued togetherness and support. Emporia High School was the backdrop to her formative years, where she not only received her education but also began to demonstrate the analytical mind and handy nature that would become her hallmarks.
After graduation, Sharon found her calling in the role of a salesclerk, a position that allowed her to connect with people on a daily basis. She was not only interesting to talk to but also keenly interested in the lives of others, making her a favorite among her colleagues and customers. Her knack for analysis and attention to detail made her an invaluable member of her work team throughout her career.
Sharon’s heart, however, was truly at home, where she was the much-loved wife of Robert Dennis Steinkuehler. Together, they created a family and a legacy of love that extended to their three children: Christina Rae Steinkuehler, Heather Marie Henkle, and Joshua Lee Steinkuehler. Her family continued to grow with the addition of 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life.
Music filled Sharon’s home and heart, a passion that she shared with her family and friends. Her love of melody and harmony was only matched by her love of being surrounded by her loved ones. Family gatherings, whether small and intimate or large and boisterous, were the moments Sharon treasured most.
Sharon’s presence was a gift to everyone who knew her. Her interesting conversations, analytical approach to challenges, and handy skills were traits that not only defined her but also enriched the lives of those around her. She was a woman of substance, someone who could always be relied upon to offer a listening ear.
As we say goodbye to Sharon Rae Steinkuehler, we remember a life lived with purpose and love. Her legacy will continue to live on through her devoted family and all those whose lives she touched. Sharon’s memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories shared by her children and echoed in the laughter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In the quiet streets of Emporia, Kansas, where Sharon’s journey both began and ended, her spirit remains a gentle whisper in the wind, a reminder of a life well-lived and a person dearly loved. She will be deeply missed, but the impact she had on those around her will endure forever.
