Tributes

Sharon E. Karnes Kirkland, 87, of Dyer, Indiana, born May 5, 1939, peacefully departed this world on May 21, 2026. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we celebrate Sharon’s life and the kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will forever remind us how blessed we were to have had her in our lives. Sharon was a woman of strong faith who loved the Lord deeply, and her kindness, compassion, and devotion to family reflected that faith every day. Sharon took great pride in owning and operating two successful pizza parlors alongside her husband, Arthur, for 17 years, creating not only thriving businesses but also lasting memories for their family and community. Sharon is lovingly survived by her three devoted daughters, Cathy (John) Hesseltine, Marcia (Dave) Wallace, and Carol Karnes. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Kristi (James) Burrell, Stefani (Chuck) Westerberg, Dallas (Melissa) Hesseltine, Ben Little, Josh Little, Chelsey (Paul) Witsberger, Casey Wallace, Paris (Tyla) Karnes, Asia (Robert) Arthur, Kevin (Shantel) Smith, Cartier Karnes, Isley (Torrell) Karnes, and Blaise Karnes, along with many beloved great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy, along with the family of Bill Kirkland who she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Pauline Pirtle, her brother, Gary Joseph, her sister, Shirley Churchman, her beloved daughter, Sherri Little, and the two great loves of her life, Arthur Karnes and Bill Kirkland. Sharon and Arthur shared 50 years of unconditional love and devotion, while she and Bill shared 12 wonderful years together filled with the same deep care and companionship. One of Sharon’s greatest acts of love was caring for Arthur during the final eight years of his life. Determined to provide him with the best care possible, she attended school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant so she could personally care for him at home. Sharon took immense pride in caring for those she loved, and her compassion became so well known that many turned to her whenever home health care was needed. Though the experience was difficult, Sharon often said she would do it all again in a heartbeat. Sharon took great pride in remembering every birthday of her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to make each one feel loved and celebrated with heartfelt birthday wishes shared on social media. Sharon was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on her favorite Indiana and Chicago teams, often sharing enthusiastic play-by-play commentary with her grandchildren over the phone. She also found comfort and joy in her favorite television classics, having watched every episode of The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy, and Matlock more times than anyone could count. Friends and relatives may visit with the family on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Memory Lane Funeral Home 6305 W. Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point, IN 46307. There will be a funeral service beginning at 5 p.m.

Tributes

Sharon Kirkland

May 5, 1939 - May 21, 2026