Sharon Kay Busby

Sharon Kay Moore Collins Busby, 74, of Beardstown, died Saturday, March 21, 2026, at her home.

She was born August 21, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Charley and Venona Wilcox Moore. She married Clarence "Jim" Busby on April 15, 1995, and he survives in Beardstown.

She is also survived by two daughters, Charlene Jockisch (husband Charles) of Lewistown and Mary "Smurfy" Collins of Beardstown; one stepson, Donald Busby of Beardstown; eight grandchildren, Loraine Schafer (husband Robert), Elizabeth Collins, Tara Beverly Jean Collins, Christopher W. Stoneking (companion Heather), Mikey (wife Ashley) Kling, Andrew Kling, RT Evans, and Ryan Evans; nine great-grandchildren, Beverly, Lily, Jacob, Bristol, Charlea, Abel, Evan, Thomas, and Conner; one sister, Bonnie Durrell (husband Donald) of rural Browning; a daughter-in-law, Christine Collins; a sister-in-law, Brenda Bollin (husband Calvin); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Virgil Long; a son, William "Willie" E. Collins; three sisters, Marilyn Hay, Betty Cremer, and Shirley Schmidt; three brothers, Charles N. Moore, Dennis R. Moore, and Franklin "Billy" Moore; father of her children George Collins; and a sister-in-law, Rhonda Garrett.

Sharon graduated from Beardstown High School in the Class of 1969. She was a hardworking woman throughout her life. She worked at Illinois Glove Factory and Ayerco, later returning to Hawkeye/Ansel, where she worked for over 20 years before retiring in 2012. She later served as a home health aide with Betty DeGroot. Sharon was baptized at Beardstown Church of the Nazarene.

In her younger years, Sharon enjoyed playing darts with her husband, and together they were part of a fierce Rod and Gun Club team. She also enjoyed bowling, bingo, and playing cards with her Saturday morning card group. Spending time with her family was one of the greatest highlights of her life. She was especially known for her homemade chili, a recipe she lovingly shared at family birthdays, gatherings with friends, and any occasion that brought people together. It became one of the many ways she showed her love-always made with care and always meant to be shared.

A celebration of life will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Beardstown Church of the Nazarene Family Center. Reverend Jerimy Wooley will share a few words and allow memories to be shared. Private family burial will be held in Christeneck Cemetery in Ray.

Memorials have been suggested to Autism Speaks. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.