Sharon J. Russo

Mrs. Sharon J. Russo passed peacefully October 5th, 2019, at the age of 71, in the arms of her loving sister, Debbie Haer, while being held close in the minds and hearts of her two daughters, Danielle Russo and Bree Russo, and in the presence and compassion of the medical staff of IU Methodist hospital after a short struggle with severe heart valve disease.

She was the first daughter born to Clifford and Mildred Guthrie in Kansas City, MO.

Sharon J. Russo graduated from North Kansas City High school in 1965, and with her Bachelor of Science in Teaching degree from Southwest Missouri State, Springfield, MO, in 1969. She received two Masters of Science degrees in Education and Library Science through Indiana University before her kids even realized how smart she was.

She taught 5th grade and high school for several years, substitute taught in the years between, became THE children’s librarian at St. Thomas Aquinas for 18 years, and then an Indianapolis public librarian for an additional 10 years before retiring to do a long list of fun things. This included vacationing with her grandchildren, travel with her sister and brother in law, party with her red hat ladies, reading to her kitty, Shadow, and having a teddy bear reading picnic with any kid who would let her. Sharon continued 14 years of volunteer work with the Wayne Township Schools’ HOSTS program, for “Help One Student To Succeed” …actually until the week she went into surgery.

She married the love of her life way back in June of 1970, Raymond J. Russo, for what I am sure was an exciting nail-biting (mosquito biting anyway) three-decade adventure. She survived him with vigor when he sadly preceded her in death in June of 1999.

She is remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother and grandmother. Surviving are her sister and brother in law; Debbie and Michael Haer of Dallas, Texas; her two daughters, Danielle Russo of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Bree Russo and Doug Studebaker of Bloomington, Indiana; her grandchildren Emilia Russo and Ray, Ella and Lily Smith; and her nephews Chris and Craig Most and Alex and Nick Haer.

Sharon Russo is remembered as an avid reader and story-teller to her children, grandchildren, and certainly for her own enjoyment. She is remembered lovingly for her big hugs, messy car, and reliable pack of chewing gum. Sharon was not known for her cooking acumen as much as her accuracy in spaghetti sauce-splattering skills and crunchy cookie/brownie cakes with the perfect centers, usually inspired in some fashion by teddy bears. She is remembered with great smiles today for her sun visor fashion sense, adoration of teddy bears, and audiobooks for long car trips. Sharon made it, despite replaced knees, heart stent, fluctuating blood sugars, and hip fracture; to countless softball tournaments, lacrosse games, spelling bees, and math bowls; to performances, and, of course, to every Grandparents day. Sharon knew the value of a bedtime story and good friendships.

For us, She was sure to celebrate every holiday to its decorating, crafting, and insane late-night wrapping fullest… We know she decorated her home, and really her own self with flair, right down to her socks. She was certain to be up for a date to a movie trip and bucket of popcorn, a musical or dance performance at Butler or Amish Acres. She was companioned through the years by her pets; Socks, Oli, Sawyer, and Shadow.

Sharon through the years has been known to lead her family quietly and through example; through natural childbirths, breastfeeding, being a smart and educated working woman while also being a mom, through times of adversity in quiet spirit and strength she has given me a roadmap to enjoying grandparenthood as well. She re-rooted after the passing of my dad and found new and old connections with her growing family of grandchildren and growing network of close friends and neighbors. She led in example-how to be a loving, kind, and ever-learning human on this earth. She raised two daughters to be involved in the health and healing professions… some with more list making skills and others better endowed with the cluttered car and home genetics.

We are pleased to believe Sharon was last enjoying some caramel chocolate popcorn and hallmark movies along with a good mystery book the week preceding her passing. We hope you all find time, in memory of her, to enjoy a good movie and popcorn and tell someone a bedtime story. Flowers, stories and recollections, or donations to the Humane society or HOSTS are welcome in her honor.

Arrangements have been made with the Flanner Buchanan Washington Park North 2706 Kessler Blvd West Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46228 with Celebration of Life services welcoming friends and loved ones between 11am and 1pm on Sunday October 13th.