Sharon Newman

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Sharon Newman, age 67, of Webb City, MO, passed away on January 28, 2024, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. The horses from heaven came to give her a final ride home in the sunshine.

Sharon was born on October 5, 1956, in Webb City, MO, to Don Newman and Betty Harnden. She graduated from Webb City High in 1975. Sharon retired from the WC postal service after 27 years. The addresses on her delivery route became like family over the years.

Other than her father, Don Newman, Sharon is preceded in passing by her paternal grandparents, along with aunts and uncles.

Sharon’s family was the core of her world. She was a beloved mother to Carly Webster and her spouse Conrad of Joplin, MO. Her love multiplied through her grandchildren: Ayden Taylor, Bodhi and Beck Webster as well as Avery, Logan, and Cambry (Taylor), and great-grandchild Sutton, her sisters Karen Newman Childs and her spouse David of Anderson, MO, Debbie Capps and her spouse Paige of Carthage, MO, Nicki Lopez and her spouse Francisco of Oronogo, MO., her mother Betty Harnden of Webb City, MO. Sharon further blossomed with the joy of many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

To know Sharon was to love her free spirit! She was a strong, independent woman who was an inspiration to all the females in her life. She was an example of living life the way you want to live it without boundaries. Sharon’s love for all living creatures and the land was what made her unique. She lived the principles of Indian culture, and her peace was found in nature. She was an advocate for preserving and taking care of the land. 

Her love for horses blessed her with many friendships over the years through trail rides. When she spent time with her beloved horses, you could feel the peace around you. Sharon was also known for her continued support of those she loved. She adored cheering on Carly while she played softball and later cheering on her grandchildren in their passions. She would make sure to attend any event she could to support all her nieces and nephews. Sharon's favorite song was “Wasted Time” by the Eagles. She would want us to remember her and live our lives with the principle of the final line of this song, “that it wasn’t really wasted time.”

Sharon will be cremated, and her ashes spread at her beloved pond so that her spirit will be free to continue living on the land she was so proud of and be ever-present with those she loved most. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, February 6th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at St Philips Episcopal Church 706 Byers Ave. Joplin, MO. To honor Sharon, take time sitting outside, letting the sun hit your face, listen to your favorite song at a high volume, take a car ride on a back road, and hug the people you love tight! Remember her in the summer when you have your car windows down, and your hair is blowing wildly! That will be her letting you know she is still present with us.