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Sharon Ruth (Russell) Kunz, age 84, of Elmwood, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday September 12, 2023 at The Monarch in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sharon was born on April 4, 1939 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to James C. and Marion M. (McGinnis) Russell. She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1957. She then attended college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a degree in Home Economics.

Sharon married Dale Kunz on April 28, 1962 in Mitchell. After they married, they lived in Elmwood and welcomed their two children, Kenneth and Kathryn.

Sharon taught school at Elmwood Public Schools from 1962-1970, serving as the high school Home Economics teacher and junior high Social Studies teacher. he also served as the Elmwood High School Pep Club Sponsor, where she took numerous bus rides to cheer on the Pirates at sporting events and activities. Many of her former students still talk about the valuable lessons learned in her classroom which they still use today, such as cooking and sewing.

After having children, Sharon substituted part-time at schools in the Cass County area, where students gave her the nickname "Mama Kunz." Later, she became an entrepreneur operating a restaurant in Elmwood called Sweets and Treats, where she served many tasty lunch specials and wonderful ice cream treats until the late 1980s.  Then, she started a catering business carrying on her passion for cooking and created her own cookbook.

Sharon had a talent for crafting and floral design, which led to the opening of her businesses The Craft Shack, Prairie Rim Floral and Prairie Rim Plants. She created floral arrangements and sold plants, flowers, and hanging baskets until her retirement in 2009. For her entrepreneurial spirit, Sharon was awarded Nebraska FBLA's Businessperson of the Year in 1993.

Sharon was an active member of her community known for her generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand.  As a member and President of the Elmwood Lions Club, she worked hard to promote the club's mission.  She was also a 4-H member and leader, a member of the Cass County Extension Board, the Center Extension Club, the Nebraska Florist Association, and the Town and Country Janes Club.

As an active member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church for well over 60 years, Sharon taught Sunday school, led children's sermons, and was a member of United Methodist Women. In the winter of 2016, Sharon oversaw and contributed to a remodel of the church kitchen, where she served many church dinners over the years. She was one of the founding board members who helped pave the way for the daycare located in the church, Son-Shine Child Care Center.

Sharon was always a great example of Knight Pride. She sat in the front row of the bleachers with a smile on her face cheering loud and proud for the Knights. She always looked forward to her grandchildren's events and enjoyed each and every one, no matter the result.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 61 years Dale Kunz of Elmwood, son Kenneth (Christine) Kunz of Elmwood, daughter Kathryn (Douglas) Frahm of Elmwood, grandchildren Owen and Sydney Kunz, Payton, Bailey, and Delaney Frahm all of Elmwood.  Also, she is survived by nieces and nephews; Wayne (Anna) Althouse, the late Joyce (Richard) Jacobson, Donna (Rex) Clements, Carl (Kathleen) Althouse, and Arlo (Vicki) Fleischman as well as her family from western Nebraska.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 5:00pm-8:00pm with family present from 6:00pm-8:00pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 400 West G Street Elmwood, NE.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Paul United Methodist Church, with Pastor Michelle Chesnut officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Elmwood, NE.  Memorials suggested to the Elmwood-Murdock High School Athletic Department to support updating Striv TV streaming technology, Son-Shine Child Care Center, or the Elmwood Rescue Squad.

Arrangements by Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Elmwood, NE  402-994-6575.