Sharon Marie Gertken, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Glenwood, Minn., on March 3, 1947, Sharon was the daughter of the late Walter Wolf and Mildred Irene McIntyre Wolf. Throughout her life, Sharon resided in several communities, including Glenwood, Sauk Centre, Albany, and Litchfield, Minn., as well as Fayetteville and Raeford, N.C. Prior to her retiring, she worked for twenty-three years as a USDA food inspector for the United States government and retired to Arden, N.C. For the last six and a half years, she made her home in Franklin, N.C.

A woman of devout Lutheran faith, Sharon was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, and Mount Pisgah Lutheran Church over the years.

Sharon found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed baking for family and friends, and expressed her creativity through sewing and embroidery. She also possessed a deep love for animals, especially her cherished dogs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Ann (Wolf) Bailey.

Sharon is survived by three children, Antonitte "Toni" Burrell (Junior Smith), Gail Gertken Shipman (Chuck Shipman), and Anita Gertken Cucumber (Reno Cucumber); one brother, Gary Walter Wolf; six grandchildren, Dakota (Shaneace), Brittany (Jacob), Charlie (Jaymian), Zackary (Celeste), Ava, and Dakota S. (Cam); seven great-grandchildren, Ryder, Raelynn, Rhett, Emmaline, Arya, A-Tsi-La, and Kylie; several nieces and nephews; and her former spouse, Anthony “Tony” Gertken.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Anna's Hope Veterinary Clinic, 8738 Boylston Hwy, Mills River, NC 28759.

Arrangements through Macon Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.