Sharon Fritz Townsend

Sharon Townsend Sharon Fritz Townsend, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 21, at The Journey Home. She was a longtime resident of Bartlesville who grew up in Barnsdall. She faithfully ministered to God’s children alongside her preacher husband and later in life cared for hundreds of families during the 22 years she served as a family service associate at Neekamp Funeral Home. She will be missed most by her children, grandchildren, family and all who were blessed to know her. Sharon’s journey began on Feb. 22, 1939, when she was born at home to Henry and Helen (Stigalle) Fritz. On the day of Sharon’s birth, her daddy had to walk through the field to alert the doctor, since they lived 8 miles from town, and Sharon said, “I didn’t know who got there first, me or the doctor.” From Hartville, MO, the young family moved to Barnsdall, OK, where her daddy built their rock house. Sharon loved growing up in Barnsdall where everyone knew everyone. The Fritzes often traveled back to Missouri, especially Hartville, to visit cousins while her daddy did hay. Family was very important to Sharon, and she had fond memories of playing with sister Joan and Sharon’s best friend Beverly. She looked up to and counted her brother Kenneth and sister Lucille among her closest and dearest friends who were always there for her. She also adored her daddy who had a generous spirit and steadfast faith. Sharon fell in love with Aaron Franklin Townsend, who had recently moved to Barnsdall as the band and choir director. They were married on December 22, 1958, in Barnsdall. From 1958-60, they lived near Tacoma, Washington, while Aaron served in the US Army at Fort Lewis. They worked and lived in various cities before moving to Bartlesville in 1990. They enjoyed 56 years of loving marriage and companionship before Aaron preceded her in 2013. Sharon was excited to become a mom and particularly enjoyed each child’s first of everything. They raised 5 kids who were good but nevertheless challenging at times, especially during the teen years. Of those years, Sharon’s favorite place was Claremore where the kids had paper routes and the family went to the lake every night. In hindsight, Sharon said she would advise herself as a new mom: “Hold them and love them every day. Go easy on discipline, hard on love.” Most recently, Sharen was a member of the Spirit Church in Bartlesville. She believed in Jesus and strove to be an active Christian, not just in name. Among God’s gifts, Sharon was a kind woman and talented baker. She combined the two by baking a wide variety of cookies and treats for her family, coworkers and friends. She even had the patience to make baklava, brushing layers of phyllo dough with love and butter, nuts and honey even though neither Aaron or she would eat hardly any in their later years. More than anything, Sharon loved her family and they made her smile. Her greatest wish for her children and grandchildren was to be happy and safe. Sharon is survived by her children, Russell Townsend, Richard (Ronda) Townsend, Ross Townsend and Reba (Mike) Townsend-Lee, sister Joan (Dallas) Chapman, grandchildren, Mandy Bird, Lauren Townsend, Hailey Townsend and Ryan Townsend and great grand daughter Shayli Bird. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband son Robby Townsend, sister Yvonne Powers, grandson Jon Ross Townsend and great grandson Shaun Mersman. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12-5, and Monday 9-11. at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Journey Home, 900 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. Graveside services will be held on Monday, 2 p.m., at Ethel Reece Cemetery in Barnsdall. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Sharon Fritz Townsend

February 22, 1939 - September 21, 2023