1941-2026
Sharon Kay Hubbard (Landers), age 84, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, in Louisburg, Kansas. Born on October 5, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sharon lived a life marked by dedication to her family, intellectual pursuits, and a passion for creativity.
Sharon was the beloved daughter of Ruth and Evert Landers. She graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School in Indianapolis in 1959 and pursued further education at a business college in her hometown. Her early academic achievements laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning and professional accomplishments.
Throughout her life, Sharon embraced many roles with grace and determination. As a military officer's wife, she supported her husband Don Hubbard through his service while managing the challenges of frequent relocations.
Her family lived in Thailand, Saint Louis, Missouri, and Fort Ritchie, Maryland. After Don's retirement, the family settled in Lyons, Kansas. Sharon built her own career as a newspaper writer and editor at the Lyons Daily News, owned and operated The Crown Theatre with her husband Don, and worked as a real estate agent. Her work reflected her love for writing and her meticulous attention to detail.
Sharon’s personal interests were as diverse as her professional endeavors. She was an avid reader who explored a wide variety of books and was passionate about writing and editing. Her love for animals—especially dogs—brought her great joy. She enjoyed several years raising sheep and llamas for personal enjoyment and as show animals. She was a member of the Golden Plains Llama Association where she wrote, published, and distributed their newsletter. Sharon published a humorous and heartwarming book about her animals on the farm entitled "The (Mis)adventures of the Llamas at Hunter Hill". She kept a sharp mind throughout her life playing cards, solving puzzles and word games with friends and family.
Sharon is survived by her three daughters: Lorie Fortmayer and husband Glenn of Omaha, Nebraska; Tracy Clugston and husband Brian of Columbus, Kansas; and Kelly Bond and husband Jeff of Drexel, Missouri. She leaves behind ten grandchildren—Andy Porter, Aaron Porter, Emily Brensing, Amelia Fortmayer, Ellie Porter, Nathan Fortmayer, Daniel Clugston, Jessica Rea, Jay Bond, and Jerod Bond—as well as many great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Evert Landers and her devoted husband Don Hubbard. Sharon will be remembered as a private yet deeply thoughtful individual whose contributions to both her family and professional fields left an indelible mark. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
A private family graveside service will be held at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Friends of Animals Rice County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.
To send flowers to the family of Sharon, please visit our floral store.
