Sharon K. Giefer

Sharon K. Giefer, 80, of Parsons, passed away at 8:52 a.m., Friday, June 4, 2021, at Freeman West in Joplin.

Sharon Kay Conley was born on September 6, 1940, to Joseph D. and Leta Marie (Neely) Conley in Coffeyville, Kansas.  As a young girl, the family moved to Parsons and she attended Prairie Valley School.  She graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1958.

In the early 1960's, Sharon began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone.  After 42 years at the telephone company, she retired in 2002.  Sharon worked part-time at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center at the switchboard.

She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Eta Phi Sorority, and the Communications Workers of America Union, for which she held the position of Secretary for a time.

Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She was an avid sports' spectator for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Sharon had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them.

On November 27, 1959, Sharon and Richard A. Giefer were united in marriage at South Mound.  The couple later divorced.

Survivors include:

Three Sons - Rick Giefer of St. Paul, KS

Tom Giefer and his wife, Becky, of Parsons, KS

Ron Giefer and his wife, Pam, of Parsons, KS

Three Daughters – Sherry Giefer of Parsons, KS

Connie Nance of Parsons, KS

Kim Rinehart and her husband, Brian, of Plevna, KS

Eighteen Grandchildren- Greg Giefer, Robyn Burke (Adam), Logan Giefer (Jordan), Brett Giefer (Kayla), Brandon Giefer (Kristen), Breah Schibi (Jeff), Ryan LaForge (Desiree), Jordan LaForge (Jessica), Ethan LaForge, Miranda Dalton (Nathan), Seth Gilley, Tyler Gilley (Carlee), Payton Smith, Ragan Smith, Jordin Crumley (Cory), Keaton Nance, Gatlin Rinehart, Statler Rinehart.

Twenty-one great-grandchildren

Three brothers – Leon Conley of Arlington, Texas

Leland Conley of Weatherford, Texas

Don Conley of Redding, California

She was preceded in death by one son, Mike Giefer; one daughter-in-law, Nancy Giefer; one brother, Ronald Conley; and her parents.

The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic School Gymnasium.  Burial will take place at South Mound Cemetery.  The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Monday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  The family will receive friends following the rosary.  The Funeral Mass and rosary can be viewed live on the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorials are suggested to Mike Giefer Memorial Fund, which is designated for local scholarships.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.