Sharon Kaye Bernhart, 81, of Burlington, died Saturday, June 27, 2026, at her home in Burlington.
Born November 26, 1944, at 7:09 p.m. in Moline, Illinois. The daughter of Glen and Mary Eloise Wagg Traman.
On June 18, 1955, Sharon was brought to Burlington, Iowa, from Wapello, where the Tramans were living at the time. Sharon was living with her grandparents, Wayne and Lucille Wagg. Mrs. Judge Newel brought Sharon to live with William and Mildred Helton as a foster home. Two years later, Sharon and her biological sister, Marilyn, were adopted by the Heltons.
Sharon learned to play the piano and sing . The Heltons were informed that Sharon was tone deaf, so she would never be able to play the piano, much less sing. She took violin lessons and was in the orchestra in high school. She was also on the debate team and the after-school basketball team.
On June 18, 1965, Sharon married Terry Richard Bernhart at the First Baptist Church in Burlington by Rev. Richard G. Smith.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Terry; son Richard Terry (Cathy); two daughters, Kelly Jean (Chad Townsend) and Jan Marie (Troy) Thompson; seven grandchildren, one in Heaven, Matthew Glen; 10 great-grandchildren; and several great-great grandchild. Biological siblings: Roger of Fort Madison, Phillip (Shirley) of Rock Island, Ill., Larry (Sue) of Abington, Ill., Marilyn Louise Emerson (deceased), Darlene Elaine Walker of Wapello, Duane (deceased), Mary (deceased), Glen Jr. (deceased), Ron of Fort Madison, and Mark Allen of Hillsboro, Iowa.
The memorial service for Mrs. Bernhart will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, with Reverend Peggy Stott officiating.
A memorial has been established for First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Please continue to keep Sharon's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.