Sharon Sturgeon

Sharon K. Sturgeon, 72, of Lafayette, died at her residence Sunday February 26, 2017 at 11:20 AM. She was born in St. Louis, MO May 5, 1944, the daughter of the late Melvin D. and Pauline Elizabeth Sala Ellis, but was raised in Bakersfield, CA. Sharon was a graduate of North High School in Bakersfield, and was a graduate of Bakersfield Junior College. She married Herbert W. Sturgeon in Lubbock, TX June 28, 1971 and he preceded her in death May 15, 2000. Sharon was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and was employed at Purdue University Libraries – Circulation and Student Supervisor from December 1986 until 1995 in the Life Sciences department. In September of 1995 she moved to the M. G. Mellon Library of Chemistry where she remained until her retirement in 2016. She received the Joseph M. Dagnese Award for Excellence in Service in 1999 and the “Dean’s Award for Sustained and /or Outstanding Contribution to the Libraries” in April 2010. Surviving are two sons, James Todd Wanagitis (wife Coleen) of Flora, IN and Anthony Lawrence Sturgeon (wife Stacy) of Noblesville, IN and a brother, Melvin D. Ellis, Jr. (wife Gail) of Antioch, CA. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, Krystle Dawn Wanagitis; Benjamin Ryan, Natalie Morrett and William Lawrence Sturgeon; and a great-granddaughter Emmie Mae Wanagitis; and by 4 nieces. The Rosary will be recited at 10:45 AM with visitation from 11:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM Friday March 3 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 1916 Meharry St., Lafayette, Fr. Mike McKinley and Fr. Eric Underwood officiating. The interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. If friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home is honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com