Sharron Christine Nelson

Sharron Christine Nelson, 71, of Irving, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Cremation rights have been chosen by the family in accordance with her wishes. A Celebration of Life will be held at a date yet determined. The family has entrusted Dean Funeral Home with the arrangements.

She was born on June 25, 1954, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to Jackie Bethel and Marian Christine (Norgren) Waddell. As a daughter of a military father, Sharon moved frequently in her early years, but her family finally settled in Vandalia, where she attended school and started to put down roots.

Sharon was a devoted mother of four and spent many years as a homemaker before working as a clerk at U.J’s convenience store. She shared her life for over 30 years with her love Mike Hoover, who survives her.

She was known for her strong will, fierce independence, and unwavering honesty. Opinionated and open-minded, she had a deep sense of justice, and was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. Her family lovingly described her as “hard-headed Swede.”

Sharron was a member of the Irving Methodist Church. She found joy in simple pleasures: tending to her flower garden, watching birds, riding motorcycles, and relaxing at Fillmore Lake while camping with loved ones. She had a soft spot for her favorite feline, Smoke, and was always ready to listen to good music, have good conversation and an ice-cold beer.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Jack and Marian; grandson, Hunter Nall; brother, Jack Waddell; nieces, Jaqualine and Felicia.

She is survived by her longtime love, Mike Hoover of Irving, Illinois; sons, Robert Nall of St. Elmo, Illinois, Judd (Ashley) Nelson of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; daughters, Lisa (Scott) Saunders of Ramsey, Illinois, Crystal (Tom) Fields of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren, Heaven (Jake) Harris, Heather (Jay) Hinton, Hillary Saunders, John (Arianah) Saunders, Alvin Saunders, Brandon (Crystal) Blackburn, Liea Blackburn, Summer Fields, TJ Fields, Jack Nall; and 9 great grandchildren.  

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Sharron’s honor may be made to: Irving Methodist Church, 124 Spruce Street, Irving, Illinois, 62051.

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