(Wauseon Resident; Sauder Woodworking)
Sharlene Kay Gillen, age 72, of Wauseon, passed away early morning on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. She was born to the late Richard James and Choice Ann (Kendall) Culbertson on August 30, 1952 in Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Sharlene graduated from Otsego High School class of 1970, she referred to it as the crazy days. She would spend 13 years as a telephone operator at the United Telephone Company in Napoleon, Ohio. Later she served 23 plus years at Sauder Woodworking and while still working in her off-time, Sharlene attended professional clown school.
Her sister would often refer to her as “Peter Pan”, because Sharlene refused to grow up. Before retiring, she served as a home health aide with Community Health Professionals Hospice, where she continued to grow and make new friendships.
Sharlene loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them and her grandchildren as often as possible. Her love for life was well known by all who knew her. Sharlene married Richard M. Gillen Sr. in May of 2006 and together they would spend 18 years together. She was preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Stacey in 2016.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Richard M. Gillen Sr.; daughter, Stephanie Kehle and son-in-law, Joseph Shevlin; stepchildren, Richard “Michael” Gillen Jr. and Lezlie Gillen and husband, Zachary Adkins; sister, Shelley (David) Stevenson; brothers, Scott (Dianne) Culbertson and Brian Culbertson; granddaughter, Skye-Marie Kehle; seven step-grandchildren; niece, Jessica; nephews, Eric, Kyle, Adam and Taylor.
Friends will be received in a time of celebration and remembrance from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Grand Rapids American Legion, 12580 S. River Rd, Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta. Those wishing a show of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family care of Stephanie Kehle to help with final expenses.
Please visit our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com to send condolences to the family.