Mrs. Sharon K. Yeager, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois died 2:28 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2020, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg. She was born January 31, 1941, in Peoria, Illinois to Jesse L. and Gesina W. (Behrends) Sage. She married Dale Alan Yeager, April 22, 1960, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on April 13, 2017. Surviving are her children, Kelly (and Doug) Gau of Galesburg, Mike (and Michelle) Yeager of Morrison, Colorado, Patricia (and Greg) McCrery of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jane (and Wayne) Keller of Deland, Florida, a brother, Gary E. Sage of Keokuk, Iowa, and nine grandchildren, Alex and Lauren Gau, Mathew, Joseph, and Jack Yeager, Philip and Samantha McCrery, and Annika and Sara Keller.
Sharon graduated from Galesburg High School in 1959 and started her work career at the Chicago Motor Club. After spending some time at home raising her young children, she managed Yeager Hardware in Galesburg as owner along with Dale in the 1970s and then spent 17 years as the Transportation Director for Galesburg School District #205. While working full time and caring for her husband, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Western Illinois University in 1994 and passed her Series 7 and received her Certified Financial Planner certification. This led to a successful career as a Financial Consultant for Wachovia Securities until her retirement in 2004. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Galesburg. She served on many boards including, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, Carl Sandburg College Foundation, Leadership Galesburg, and participated in the Western Illinois University Board of Governors Program. In addition to being an avid reader, Sharon also enjoyed staying active by walking, playing tennis and traveling. Her most cherished time was spent with her family and friends.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2020, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the chapel. Pastor Pamela Marolla will officiate. A private committal service will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
