Our beloved mother, Janice "Sharon" Kolls, peacefully joined the Lord on January 31, 2024. It is a profound moment as she is now reunited with our dear father, coming to him on his birthday. Their love story has found its ultimate ending.
Sharon, born on May 12, 1932, in Shelbyville, was the daughter of Don and Bernice (Gordon) Richardson. On May 12, 1951, she exchanged vows with Walter C. "Wally" Kolls, who preceded her in passing on December 25, 2017.
Sharon leaves behind a legacy through her four children: Mike Kolls and his wife, Kathy, Jeff Kolls and his wife, Karen, Julie Hirschauer and her husband, Dennis, all from Shelbyville, and Molly Finger and her husband, Mark, from Berlin, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her brother, Gordon "Bernell" Richardson of Surprise, Arizona.
Sharon's life was graced with the presence of numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory. She found immense joy in her family and shared beautiful stories of her time with her grandparents, Hord and Mayme Gordon, along with Elmer and Zelma Richardson. She held the family history close to her heart, and every piece of furniture, picture, or lamp held a special place in her heart.
Sharon and our father, Wally, shared an extraordinary love story that began at the Indiana State Police Post. Their shared interests of travel, gardening, dancing, and card playing strengthened their bond. For many years, they spent winters in Venice, Florida, hosting gatherings for the Shelby county community. Sharon had a delightful wit and a contagious laughter that brightened any room.
Her final year was marked by illness, but the caring staff and friends at Timber Creek Assisted Living brought smiles to her face. While we will deeply miss our mother, we find solace in knowing that she is now reunited with the love of her life.
Sharon's faith and love for her family will forever remain in our hearts. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and her legacy of love and laughter will live on through her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sharon is survived by her four children, Mike Kolls and wife, Kathy, Jeff Kolls and wife, Karen, and Julie Hirschauer and husband, Dennis, all of Shelbyville, and Molly Finger and husband, Mark, of Berlin, Wisconsin; brother, Gordon “Bernell” Richardson of Surprise, Arizona; grandchildren, Jamie Kolls and wife, Sarah, Kristi Fitz and husband, Joey, Angie Wells and husband, Tony, Susan Lockridge and husband, Luke, Brian Kolls and wife, Abby, Kate Olds and husband, Rex, Sam Hirschauer and wife, Casey, Seth Hirschauer and wife, Elizabeth, Ben Hirschauer, Brandon Hirschauer and wife, Mackenzie, Morgan Denton, Megan Borth and husband, Tyler, McKenzie Denton, Jared Finger and wife, Emily, and Danielle Klose and husband, Shawn; great-grandchildren, Jenna Wilson and husband, Eric, Jett Kolls, Emma Smith, Payten Smith and wife, Kialyr, Austin and Alex Wells, Alexis Fitz, Max and Hank Lockridge, Olivia and Louis Kolls, Mason and Cody Olds, Bryce, Caleb, Brayden Kyle, Reagan, Owen, Eli, and baby girl (in April) Hirschauer, Wade Barrett, Miles and Cora Finger, Jackson Borth; and Andrew, Conner and Holden; great-great-grandchildren, Aniyah Wilson, Amelia Smith, Ophelia Fitz, and baby Wilson; and nephews, Byron Richardson and wife, Amy, and David Richardson.
In addition to Wally, Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Betty Richardson; granddaughter-in-law, Jamie Lee Kolls; and nephew, Duane Richardson.
Sharon graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1950.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 pm, Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will follow at 3 pm Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Dennis Hirschauer officiating. Services will be livestreamed on our facebook page www.facebook.com/freemanffh.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 34 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th St., Columbus, Indiana 47201.
