Sharon Merle Billups

Sharon Merle Billups, 83, of Keokuk, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Montrose Health Center in Montrose, Iowa.

Sharon was born on May 31, 1939, in Luray, Missouri, the daughter of Merlin Hollis and Alma Ethel (Dochterman) Billups. She attended both grade school and high school in Granger, Missouri. On September 12, 1958, she was united in marriage to Larry Wayne Bennett in Granger, Missouri. They were later divorced.

Sharon was a member of Luray Baptist Church and was employed as a paramedic for twelve years for Lee County Ambulance. She also worked for seven years at Metzler in Keokuk. In her free time, Sharon enjoyed sewing, drawing in adult coloring books, embroidery, and antiques. In her younger years, she enjoyed camping and boating. She loved to birdwatch and hated seeing squirrels eat her birdseed.

Sharon is survived by her son James Hollis (Dawn) Bennett of Keokuk, Iowa, two daughters: Susan Lee (Jamie) Rettig of Donnellson, Iowa, and Sherry Lynn (Richard “Junior” Martin) Bennett of Keokuk; six granddaughters: Jamey Sue (Dave) Smith, Brandi Jo (Cory) Eid, Leah Ann (Josh) Kautz, Kimberly Dawn (Kris) Chamberlain, Taylor Grace Rettig and Natalee Grace Pedroza; three grandsons: Corey James (Lacy) Bennett, Ryan (Danielle) Pedroza and Naethan (Elizabeth) Pedroza; two siblings: Verna Faye Billups and Walter Clyde Billups; eighteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, her dear grandson Travis Lee Rettig and her son-in-law Steve Carlton.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk, Iowa. Burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

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