Sharon Charmaine Triggs

Sharon Charmaine Triggs was born to Edythe Evelyn (Kimmel) and Elmer Lester Gould on August 14, 1943, in Hutchinson, Kansas. She was welcomed into the family by her older sister, Patricia “Patty” Ann (Gary) Kerwood, and was later joined by another sister, Pamela “Pam” Kay Gould (Everett Bennett). The family resided at 601 East Ave D in Hutchinson, where the day always began with a full sit-down breakfast.

After graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1961, Sharon continued her education at Hutchinson Junior College, earning an associate’s degree. She furthered her studies at Kansas State Teachers College (KSTC), now known as Emporia State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965 and a Master of Science in Education in 1969.

While attending KSTC, Sharon worked as a cashier at Reeble’s North, where she caught the eye of a young man unloading a watermelon truck—someone she would later marry. Sharon and Charle were married on June 12, 1965.

Sharon enjoyed a teaching career that spanned 35 years. She began her career in Matfield Green, later teaching in Halstead, and eventually with USD 373. She was most well-known for teaching third grade at Sunset Elementary and Slate Creek Elementary. Sharon was a beloved and respected teacher, known for her firm but fair approach and for loving each of her students as if they were her own.

Sharon was also extremely active in the First United Methodist Church in Newton. She was a member of Rachel’s Circle and United Methodist Women, later becoming an associate member of United Women in Faith. She enjoyed making peppernuts for the church bazaar each year and attending Bible study.

Sharon was a member of the Extension Homemakers Units (EHU), now known as the Kansas Association for Family and Community Education, and Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators, where she held several leadership roles, including president. She also served as a Girl Scout troop leader and “Cookie Mom” for her daughters.

Sharon was an active member of the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA), serving for many years as a delegate to its conventions. She was also associated with the Harvey County Democratic Party.

Sharon had a successful career that she was very proud of and remained actively involved in her community, but the roles she cherished most were those of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Sharon could always be found on the sidelines, in the stands, or behind the curtain, cheering on and supporting her family.

The love she shared lives on through her family: daughter, Nicole Triggs of Houston, Texas; son, Trey Triggs and grandsons, Justin and Perry (Téa) of Wichita, Kansas; and daughter, Molly (Randy) Sharrock and granddaughters, Arwen and Alexis of Katy, Texas. Sharon is also survived by great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and many others she considered family.

Her pets were also treasured members of the family, including her dog, Mazy Tweed, and cats, Sunni, Sugar Pie, and PeeWee.

Her absence is felt every day in the advice she once gave, the “Happy Wednesday” messages, the “I love you, honey,” and the big hugs.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Edythe and Elmer Gould, and her husband of 58 years, Charle Triggs.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Petersen Family Funeral Home in Newton. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

A funeral service celebrating Sharon’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Newton at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Interment will follow immediately at Restlawn Gardens of Memory Cemetery near Newton, along Highway 50. Memorials are suggested to the Alpha Delta Kappa Future Educator Scholarship Fund, or the First United Methodist Scholarship Committee, and may be left in the care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.

For those unable to attend the service, it will be livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/FirstChurchNewton