Sharon Rose Gunther

Sharon Rose Wonnell Gunther, 70, of Lawrence, KS, passed away in her home on April 11, 2025. A beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and aunt, Sharon will always be remembered for her love for her family, friends, and the Chiefs. As a lifelong Lawrence resident, she also loved the Kansas Jayhawks. Sharon was happiest when watching football and basketball or simply hanging out with family and friends at a BBQ. She will be remembered for her devotion to her grandson and her teams.

Born on October 15, 1954, in Lawrence, KS, Sharon was the youngest daughter of Charles and Helen Wonnell and sister of Patricia Wonnell Miller. She attended Kennedy Elementary, Central Junior High, and Lawrence High School. Sharon enjoyed the outdoors and her garden. As a child, she would help her mom in the garden and go mushroom hunting or fishing with her dad. She loved growing tomatoes, cucumbers, hot peppers, and all types of beautiful flowers.

Sharon loved working and gravitated to jobs that would let her work with her hands or with people. Before retiring in 2022, Sharon worked at Home Depot in Lawrence for over 20 years. Prior to that, she worked for Bendix King (King Radio), and Scotch Fabric Care, both in Lawrence. She was a trustworthy employee who liked to go above and beyond. While working at Scotch Fabric Care, she found a diamond in the pocket of customer’s jacket. The jeweler was surprised and grateful when Sharon returned the diamond along with his cleaned jacket. She loved the people she worked with and for.

Sharon is survived by her sister, Patricia Miller of Lawrence, her daughter and son-in-law, Corinne and Brian Gilges of Ottawa, her grandson, Clinton Rice of Ottawa, her nephew, Johnny Miller of Brooklyn, NY, her niece Lori Miller Wilken of Seattle, WA, and her great-niece, Harper Wilken of Seattle, WA, and three great nephews, Maxwell Wilken of Seattle, WA, and John and Jude Miller of Brooklyn, NY. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen Wonnell.

Sharon did not want a formal service, so instead of a funeral, Sharon’s daughter Corinne will host a celebration of life date TBD. Sharon did not want people to get dressed up and sit around reflecting quietly. Her celebration will reflect Sharon’s life. There will be good food, good drink, and good people. It will be loud and fun, just like Sharon.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital oncology department and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS  66044.