Obituary of Sharlene Ruth Dodge

    Sharlene Ruth Dodge, the daughter of Manley Eugene “Gene” and Sylvia Alberta (Nelson) Walling, was born in Anita, Iowa on April 30, 1943. She spent her youth, and attended school, in several Iowa communities, graduating from the 8^th Grade.

    On September 6, 1969, Sharlene was united in marriage to Darrel Jon Dodge at Spencer, Iowa. Three children would eventually complete their family: Lynnette, Jobina, and Mark.

    Sharlene was a stay-at-home mom and enjoyed every minute of it. She took care of her growing family and made sure they had a warm, safe place to come home to. Once the kids were all in school, she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate and was employed at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley for several years. She genuinely cared for the residents and their welfare; volunteering at the Health Center even after her retirement. Later on, she became a certified hospice advocate, helping people through the sometimes, difficult stages of life.

    Sharlene was a member of the Farm Bureau women’s organization, the Hartley American Legion Auxiliary, and Grace Fellowship Church. She had also enjoyed participating with friends on a town bowling league.

    Of course, the highlight to any day was attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Sharlene could always find time to cheer them on and support their endeavors.

    Sharlene passed from this life on Monday, September 13, 2021 at the age of 78 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Sylvia Walling; her mother and father-in-law; and son-in-law, Keith Rusch.

    Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 52 years, Darrel of Hartley, Iowa; her children: Lynnette (Rusch) and her husband, Kevin Soden of Spencer, Iowa, Jobina and her husband, Greg Kirby of Ft. Dodge, Iowa, and Mark and his wife, Sara Dodge of Hartley, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her brother and his wife, Mike and Deb Walling of Hartley, Iowa; other relatives and friends.