Sharon Kleinsasser passed away at Peaceful Pines Assisted Living Center at the age of 88, with her children by her side. She fought a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer for 8 1/2 years.

Her memorial service was held at 4:00 PM, Monday, December 22, at the Kuhler Funeral Home with burial at a later date in the Bethel Cemetery. Her service was live-streamed.

Her visitation was held from 2:30 PM until the start of the service on Monday, December 22, at the Kuhler Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to Bethel WMS, and given to Sharon's family.

Sharon Kay Toews was born to David H. and Josie (Schroeder) Toews in Hillsboro, Kansas, on October 21, 1937. She was the eldest of three daughters. Sharon graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1955 and subsequently worked as a telephone operator.

In her hometown, she met Leland "Butch" Kleinsasser while he was attending Tabor College. They were married on July 14, 1957, at the First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro, Kansas. Two weeks after their wedding, Leland left for basic training, followed by an assignment in Germany where he served for 16 months. During this period, Sharon resided with her parents in Hillsboro. Upon Leland's return in 1959, the couple relocated to South Dakota, where they spent their married life. They had one son, Brent Reed.

Sharon held various positions during her career, including employment at the Stockyard Café, Hardee's and Pamida. She was particularly dedicated to volunteering at James Valley Christian School, contributing both in the kitchen and costume department for the Stewardship Dinner Theater.

Sharon was a faithful and devoted spouse as she went with Leland weekly to Pierre the many years he was a State Legislator. She was a member of the Capitol Club while they were in Pierre and also a quilting group.

She found great fulfillment in being present for her grandchildren's lives and supporting their activities. Sharon was a devoted and enthusiastic supporter.

Together, Sharon and Butch enjoyed traveling extensively, visiting all fifty states and numerous countries abroad, often accompanied by siblings and friends. Many summers were spent at Hart Ranch in the Black Hills, where family members would gather. Her grandchildren cherished time at Hart Ranch and continue to hold fond memories of it.

For many years, Sharon and Leland and his local siblings gathered every Sunday evening to play cards and enjoy each other's company. Even as health challenges arose, they continued these gatherings, ensuring transportation so the tradition could be maintained.

Sharon is survived by her son, Brent, and his wife, Dawn, of Huron; her grandchildren, Mason Kleinsasser of Sioux Falls, Kali (Austin) Huiskes of Sioux Falls, and Morgan (Ashton) McGuire of Jackson, Tennessee; six great-grandchildren, Lincoln Huiskes, Kaiser Kleinsasser, Liam Huiskes, Phelps Kleinsasser, Leo Huiskes and Lennon McGuire; as well as her two sisters, Anna Marie Wiebe of Newton, Kansas and Lora (Ken) Justice of Olathe, Kansas,

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Leland, who passed away in August of this year; her parents, David and Josie; her parents-in-law, Paul and Elizabeth Kleinsasser; and her brothers-in-law, Clark Wiebe, Gene Whites and Loarn Schwartz.