Sharon Waters

Sharon V. Waters, 81, passed away 11:33 pm, Sunday, July 2, 2023 at her residence.

Born September 14, 1941 in Alton, she was the daughter of Truman and Rhea (Grant) Vroman.

A graduate of East Alton-Wood River High School in the Class of 1959, she went on to graduate from Deaconess School of Nursing.

She had been employed as a registered nurse at Wood River Township Hospital and for an Oral Surgeon before taking time off to raise her two children.  Later she served as an Educational Health Aide at South Roxana Elementary and wrapped up her career as a nurse at William BeDell ARC in Wood River, a position she found most rewarding, loving to serve the children and their families. Before retiring in 2001, she was instrumental in starting a Prom that continues to this day at the center.

Sharon had been an active member of the First Baptist Church in East Alton, where she was a leader in AWAWA, and in the high school youth group and alongside her husband, started a high school gospel group team.  Most recently, she became a member of First Baptist Church in Bethalto.  She served for many years as a scout leader for both the Boys and Girls Scouts of America.

She married Darrell Waters, her high school sweetheart in July of 1964.  For nearly 59 years, they enjoyed friends and family, traveling to all 50 states and 55 countries. She was a member of the Airstream Travel Club for 49 years, holding leadership roles at the local and regional levels.  Sharon also led the "medical team" and later the "copy shop" at the International rallies.  Over the course of 16 years, she and Darrell opened their home to host 12 students from Mexico, allowing them to learn and practice their English.

In retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her card group, the "Class of '59" group, and the sisters of Delta Theta Tau.  She was an avid quilter, creating countless gifts to share with others. What she enjoyed most was spending time with her seven grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Evan (Michelle) Waters of O'Fallon, MO; daughter, Alma (Cory) Boss of Weldon Spring, MO; seven grandchildren, Brianna, Madelyn and Ethan Waters; Isaac, Eli, Owen and Nora Boss; brother-in-law, Glenn Waters; niece Kara (Mike) Siebe; and nephew Chris (Jill) Seifert.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Justine Vroman Seifert.

Visitation will be from 4-8 pm, Thursday at First Baptist Church in Bethalto where service will be conducted at 10 am on Friday. Rev. Tim Drury  will officiate.

Burial will follow in Woodland Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the William M. BeDell ARC Prom.