Sharon Kaye Merchant

Sharon Kaye Merchant, 79, of Ithaca passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family.  

She was born in Ithaca, on December 2, 1941, the daughter of Mildred (Barnhill) and Hubert Barnes, as a child she lived and worked on her family dairy farm with her parents and four siblings and graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1959.  

She married the love of her life, Robert Merchant on September 24, 1960 at the Methodist Church in Ithaca. After marrying Bob, they settled on a Merchant family farm with their two daughters.  The farm was always full from the baby calves to the chickens, which become a family event every summer. She loved being a farmer and working side by side with Bob and their girls (Cheryl and Danette).

She had many hobbies, loved being a china painter and belonging to a china painting club with her mother (Mildred) and sister (Nancy).  She loved to bake, sew, embroider, knit, and crochet.  She took after her mother and could do anything she ‘put her mind to’.

She was one of the most amazing women that anyone could meet from her loving heart, her open ear and warm shoulder, to her helpful and talented hands.  She was the loving and doting wife to Robert Merchant, the adored mother for Cheryl and Danette, grandmother to five loved children, and Aunt Sharon or grandma to more people than can be mentioned.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert (Bob); her daughters Cheryl Merchant and Danette (Merchant) and son-in-law Thomas McDermott; her five grandchildren Andrea, Remy, Ethan, Devon, and Samantha; sister Patricia (Barnes) and brother-in-law Jack Paul of Grand Haven, MI; Brother Dan and sister-in-law Chris (Fraker) Barnes of Tuscaloosa, AL; sister Nancy (Barnes) and bother-in-law Patrick Stearns of Grayling, MI; brother William and sister-in-law Jill (Cesar)Barnes of Lansing, MI.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Mildred and Hubert Barnes.

General viewing will be Sunday, May 9th, from 2:00 – 6:00 PM at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 10th, at 11:00 AM.  Due to COVID, it will only be family only.  At noon there will be a burial service and luncheon at the New Haven Township Cemetery and Hall that will be open to all.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Ron & Pauline]

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Sharon. Our social activity with Sharon & Bob in Michigan, Rhode Island & Arizona leave us with fond memories. She will be in our hearts forever. We offer our condolences to her entire family.
Ron & Pauline

[Julia DeLong]

My condolences to family & friends. Sharon was a great person & she was so talented in everything she did! She is a person who has left a remarkable impression on me! I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend her viewing.

[James Crawford]

Sympathy Bob hope to see you at our next class reunion.

Jim Crawford

[Gary Akin]

So sorry to hear about Sharon’s passing. We wish all the best to the family. Gary & Lorraine Akin

[Nola Owen]

Many wonderful memories of Sharon and family. Peace to you.

[Brett Zerba]

My condolences to Cheryl, family and friends. She sounded like quite a gal!
Brett Zerba

[Jorge Carvajal]

So sorry about the lost of your beautiful mother. My condolences to you and your family
Jorge & Clara

[Emma Lou Pontious]

My deepest sympathy Cheryl to you and your family. She will always be with you, sending a 'hug' just when you need it.
Warmest regards,
Emma Lou Pontious

[Jazmine Estrada]

Cheryl, so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother Sharon. Sending my condolences and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Jazmine Estrada

[Jon Giampietro]

Very sorry for your loss. She sounded like a wonderful person that enjoyed life. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family.
Jon & Melissa

[Christine]

She sounds like she was an amazing and special woman who loved life, her family, and the farm. What a blessing to be surrounded by so much happiness and love in life, and what a beautiful tribute to her. I am so very sorry for your loss, and sending thoughts and prayers to your family. Christine

[Ric Turmel & Family]

My family and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. We will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Ric, Heather, Jaedyn & Logan

[Tracey Haley]

My Condolences to Cheryl and her family, I am very sorry for you loss.

[Stephen Kelly]

I'm very sorry for your loss Cheryl.

[Thomas Larson]

My condolences to you and your family. Sorry for your loss. What a wonderful Mom and growing up on the farm with her, must have had a lot of good times.

[Chris DaRosa]

My deepest sympathy Cheryl to you and your family. Sending my condolences and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Chris DaRosa

[Jim Eiss]

Cheryl, I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. You and your family are in our thoughts.

[Carl Perrone]

Cheryl, I am very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Carl Perrone

[Luca Urani]

My condolences to you and your family.
When you lose someone you love, you get an Angel you already know.
Luca Urani

[Ken & Jill Dumas]

Cheryl and family, very sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences during this difficult time.