Reatha L. Sharpnack, 95, of Jeromesville, went to be with her Lord early Friday, August 24, 2018, at Brookwood Place surrounded by family members. She was born on May 7, 1923 to Hobart and Mildred (Myers) Gates in Brownsville, PA. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Louis L. Sharpnack, for 52 years. He passed away in 1993.
Reatha is survived by her children Cheryl (Eric) Elmer of Kentwood, MI, L. Linton (Patricia) Sharpnack of Chardon, OH, Douglas (Janyce) Sharpnack of Loveland, OH, Donald (Kelly) Sharpnack of Painesville, OH, David (Debbie) Sharpnack of Jeromesville, OH, and Millie (Jeff) Mason of Canton, MI. Reatha was a loving grandmother of 17 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.
The third of twelve children, Reatha is survived by brother Keith (Lois) Gates of Fredericksburg, VA, and sisters Marcelene Bailey of Windsor, OH, Edith Gale Rubino of New Eagle, PA, and Natalie Matthews of Knoxville, TN. as well as special sisters-in-law Ethel Gates of New Eagle, PA and Phyllis Gales of Elyria, OH.
Reatha was a resident of Elyria, OH for more than fifty years where she raised her six children, worked as a lab technician at Elyria Memorial Hospital, and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. In her later years she moved to Jeromesville and enjoyed her days making the acquaintance of young and old, taking part in community events, and visiting the "elderly." Reatha especially appreciated being an integral part of Jeromesville Christian Church.
Reatha's life goal was exemplified in the hymn, "Make Me a Blessing."  She desired to be a blessing to others as a way of glorifying her Savior and drawing others to Him.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 30, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Fickes Funeral Home of Jeromesville. The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 31 at 11:00 AM at Jeromesville Christian Church with Pastor Keith R. Winn officiating.  Interment will take place in McClellandtown Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 292 Springer Road, McClellandtown, PA 15458.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Brethren Care Village Foundation/Brookwood Place, 2140 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805 or Jeromesville Christian Church, 75 North High Street, Jeromesville, OH 44840.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brookwood Place for the loving and compassionate care of their mother.