Sharon Key (Sterling) Welch

Sharon Kay (Sterling) Welch, 79, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at her home, due to complications from chronic conditions.

A life-long resident of Fairfield County, she was born on January 16, 1944, to the late Bernice Florence Alspach and Charles William Sterling.  After graduating from Berne Union High School in 1962, Sharon attended Ohio University Lancaster under the state’s cadet-teacher program, and later earned a Bachelors of Arts in Education from Ohio University.  Over four decades, Sharon educated hundreds of elementary students, first with Bloom-Carroll Schools, and later with Lancaster City Schools, where she taught primarily at the former West and North Elementary Schools.

Over the years, Sharon was involved in many organizations, including Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts at Medill Elementary, Lancaster High School Band Boosters, Berne Union alumni reunions, Lancaster Education Association, and the local chapter of American Association of University Women.  Sharon was also a member of the First United Methodist Church, Lancaster.

She was preceded in death by her parents, younger brother Charley Russell Sterling, and older brother James Ray Sterling.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 51 years, Richard D. Welch, daughter Natalie, and son Robert.

Visitation and the funeral service will be held at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus Street, Lancaster, Ohio.  Visitation will be on Monday, June 5th, from 5PM to 8PM, and Tuesday, June 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 6th at 11:00 a.m. Caring Cremation™ will follow the service. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com