Sharon L. Wiggins

May 15, 2018

Sharon L. Wiggins, 77, of Frankfort, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in her home.

She was born on March 29, 1941 in Lafayette to Paul & Laura (Yates) Hildenbrand.  She was a 1959 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University.  She married Charles Wiggins on August 29, 1963 in Lafayette and he survives.

Sharon was a gifted writer, artist, and photographer.  She wrote and edited for WASK Radio, The Frankfort Times, and The Lafayette Journal & Courier.  Her favorite subjects were wildlife and the outdoors, for which she received nine state and regional writing awards.  In the mid-1990’s, she was the editor of the Indiana Wildlife Federation’s magazine “Hoosier Conservation,” and she served as the first female president of the Hoosier Outdoor Writers organization.  She was also the Indiana spokesperson for the National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat program.  She was a master gardener and loved bird watching.

Archer-Weston Funeral & Cremation Center, 501 East Clinton Street, Frankfort is honored to assist with services.  Memorial donations may be made in Sharon’s honor to the Indiana Wildlife Federation, 708 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN  46202 or www.indianawildlife.org.

Visitation and Services

Private Family Services are planned.

Survived by:

Surviving along with her husband, Charles are her Daughters:  Heather Wiggins (Brad Nelson) of Rossville and Wendy Wiggins (Ken Holmes) of Albuquerque, NM, and her Sister:  Sandy Connell of Florence, OR.

Condolences

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14 Condolences for “Sharon L. Wiggins”

  1. Kurt Nicewander May 16, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    I grew up in the neighborhood with Sharon in Lafayette. I remember her as always smiling and very smart. My sister, Mary Dell Nicewander, has Alzheimer’s and when you lose a friend like this, it makes it even more important that our researchers find either a prevention or a cure for this horrible disease.

  2. Beth DeHahn May 17, 2018 at 8:34 am

    I had the honor and privilege of knowing Sharon. I hired her at WASK to work with me in the Continuity Department, writing commercials (it was her second stint at the station). She was the most amazing person with whom I have ever worked…by far, the brightest, most articulate writer I have ever read. I used to proofread the IWF magazine while she was the editor. Oh, the stories she would tell! I often told her she needed to write a book about her adventures. Just the ones in her backyard would fill volumes! I will always remember Sharon for her amazing wit; her story telling; her fabulous laugh; her deep, sultry voice; for being the only other Democrat in the entire station. But most of all, for being an incredible person. When I found out about her Alzheimer’s over a year ago, I thought how incredibly unfair: to take away the mind of the most brilliant person I have ever known. Chuck, Heather, Wendy….your mother was amazing. I am honored to have called her my friend. She was loved by so many…and will be greatly missed. My condolences to you all.

  3. Joey Costello Roush May 17, 2018 at 10:40 am

    Sending Prayers and love to your Family! You will be missed!

  4. Jan Kersey May 17, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    Sharon will always be remembered as a wonderful teachers aide for me at Frankfort Junior High School when I was teaching
    Special Education. She had a wonderful way with the special needs children and was always so positive and helpful. She loved teaching them to draw and one time they painted huge cartoon figures on the windows that faced Walnut Street. She helped them cook, and learn self skills that hopefully they could use in their futures.
    I loved her positive attitude and talents. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
    Jan Kersey

  5. Garry Metcalf May 17, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    I had the good fortune of growing up around the corner from Sharon, who was and the prettiest and smartest girl in Oakland School. Her intelligence and demeanor brought good things to everyone she encountered. I am saddened and send condolences to Chuck and the family.

  6. Joy Gentry OBrien May 17, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    Our parents were friends so I grew up knowing Sharon and Sandy. We lived close so visited often. Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease. Sending love and prayers to the family.

  7. Joan Seager May 17, 2018 at 5:39 pm

    May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your grief is shared by so many. Your mother was one of the smartest people I ever met, well, next to you two! Your mom will be sorely missed. For every tear you shed there is a prayer in my heart for you.

  8. jim leverenz May 18, 2018 at 11:52 am

    Chuck and girls: So sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing and you have my deepest sympathy! Losing my Sandy to this dreadful disease on August 6th of 2017 was heart-breaking! But through the grief, another young woman who ate with Sandy told when she lost her Mother – “Mom does not have Alzheimer’s any more!”. Such a powerful statement for the loving caregivers to realize the love of their life is now disease free of this Alzheimer’s. Sharon will be missed greatly, but attempt to replace the difficult times with all the beautiful memories! Bless you all! Anything I can help in the up coming days, don’t hesitate to contact me!

  9. Nicki Stillings May 18, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    I was sorry to see Sharon’s obituary. She is remembered as a cheerful person who was always willing to substitute in any area of the school where she was needed. My first year at school, my son ran cross country with Wendy (I loved those long braids you had, Wendy) and Sharon always talked to us at the meets and introduced me to a lot of the school parents. I was always grateful for her friendship and kindness at school and grateful to the Wiggins family as they boarded our golden retriever for a couple of weeks during the summer. She was always trying to encourage us to make our vegetable garden into a wildlife area but we never did! I’m sure all of you have very good memories of her, I certainly do!

  10. M. Elise Thoennes May 18, 2018 at 5:20 pm

    Dear Sonny and family,
    We are so very sorry to read about the death of Sharon. You have our sincere sympathy.

    Dave and Elise Thoennes

  11. Bill & Lora Layton May 18, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    Chuck, Heather & Wendy, we are so sorry for your loss. She is at peace now.

  12. Mike Bruton May 20, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    Heather and Wendy,
    So sorry for the loss of your mother, sending prayers your way.
    Mike and Angie Bruton

  13. Barbara B Johnson May 23, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    Heather & Family,
    Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your mother.
    Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
    may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
    With Our Deepest Sympathy,
    Barbara & John Johnson
    & Red Hat Society Rockin Rubies & Rhinestones Chapter (Chantilly, VA 20151)

  14. Donna Mahoy Granger May 25, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    I was sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy, Alzheimer’s took my mother from me much too soon, so know that I’ve walked in your shoes. May she rest in peace.

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