Sharon Rose (Bertke) Gillim, 86, of Owensboro passed away January 14, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1939, to the late Frank B. and Helen (Long) Bertke, Jr.
Sharon was a devoted homemaker who poured her heart into caring for her family and home. Early in life, she worked at Ideal Milk Company, a role she took pride in before dedicating herself fully to her family. A longtime and faithful member of St. Martin Catholic Church, Sharon’s faith was a steady presence throughout her life. She had a deep love for line dancing and generously shared her joy for music by coordinating music at the Senior Community Center. Sharon also enjoyed puzzles, playing cards—especially Rummy—and expressing her creativity by decorating for Halloween. Known for her warmth, enthusiasm, and love of bringing people together, Sharon will be remembered for the joy she shared and the many lives she touched.
Along with her parents, Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Duvall Gillim; her siblings, Helen Haymes and Frank B. Bertke III, and her daughter-in-law, Martha (Steve) Gillim.
Those left to cherish his memory include her children, Bill (Lisa) Gillim, Julie (Tony) Ebelhar, Michael Gillim, Steve Gillim, and Rob (Laura) Gillim; her grandchildren, Amanda (Warden) Jackson, Jessica (Clark Wheeler) Gillim, Matthew Gillim, Alex (Rita) Ebelhar, Jeremy (Jesi) Ebelhar, Adam (Katie) Ebelhar, Emily (Ashton) Varble, Jacob (Alyssa) Gillim, Justin Gillim, Elizabeth (Bryan) Esparza, Valerie (Garrett) Small, and Catherine Gillim, and eight great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2026, at St. Martin Catholic Church, with Fr. Daniel Dillard officiating. Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with prayers being said at 1:30 p.m., at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory and will resume on Monday, January 19, 2026, at St. Martin Catholic Church from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at the church. Burial to follow the service at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations made payable to St. Martin Building Fund at 5856 KY-81, Owensboro, KY 42301, and Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County at 1650 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Sharon Rose (Bertke) Gillim. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mrs. Sharon Rose (Bertke) Gillim and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.