Sharon Lockard, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa after a period of declining health. She was born Sharon Claudene Stone in Red Oak, Iowa, she was the daughter of E. Evald and Audrey (Asay) Stone. She was raised in Griswold, Iowa, where she graduated from Griswold High School with the class of 1956. She continued her education at the American Institute of Business (AIB) in Des Moines. While in school at AIB, Sharon was in a very serious car accident. She was forced to put her education on hold until she healed up from her injuries, however once she was able, she went on to complete her studies and graduate. On June 25, 1961, she married Leo A. Lockard at Griswold, Iowa. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others, making their home in Oskaloosa where they shared more than fifty years of marriage until Leo’s passing on March 9, 2014. Sharon devoted the early years of her married life to raising her family. Later, she worked in several positions, including many years at the Dee’s Hallmark Store in Oskaloosa, where she enjoyed visiting with customers and making many lasting friendships.
Music was an important part of Sharon’s life from childhood through adulthood. She enjoyed singing, participating in music, and sharing her talents through her church, including many years as a member of the First Christian Church bell choir. She was a longtime member of First Christian Church in Oskaloosa, where she was active in Esther Circle, Christian Bells, Krafty Krafters, and Traveling Disciples, to name a few.
Sharon also found great joy in serving the community. She was a member of Chapter CY, T.T.T. She faithfully participated in numerous church bazaars, craft events, and other activities over the years, always enjoying the fellowship they provided.
Christmas was one of Sharon’s greatest joys. Together, Sharon and Leo created an elaborate multi-level Christmas village display that stretched nearly twenty-four feet. Family and friends looked forward each year to visiting their home to enjoy the village, which became a cherished holiday tradition. Their display reflected the warmth, creativity, and hospitality they loved sharing with others.
Sharon never met a stranger and genuinely enjoyed visiting with people. Whether at church, at the Hallmark Store, or welcoming family and friends into their home, she always enjoyed a good conversation and the friendships she made throughout her life.
She is survived by her son, David Lockard of Ankeny; her daughter, Amy Robinson (and friend Brian Rogne), of Knoxville; her granddaughter, Shayna Ullrick; great granddaughter, Marley Hopewell; a brother, Dale (Rhoda) Stone of Watertown, Wisconsin; a sister-in-law, Patsy (Richard) Marlin of Oskaloosa; and many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Lockard, and her parents, Evald and Audrey Stone; her father and mother-in-law, Merle and Doris Lockard; and a daughter-in-law, Teresa.
Sharon will be remembered for her steadfast faith, quiet kindness, gentle spirit, and the love she shared with her family, church, and community. Her legacy lives on through the traditions she created the friendships she cherished, and the many lives she quietly touched.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with R.D. Keep and Wayne Vande Krol officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Sharon’s family will be at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Wednesday evening from 5-7 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church music fund or MCRF Tram Rides.
