Viola Louise

Thompkins Sharp, 97 SUN CITY WEST - Viola Louise Thompkins Sharp, passed away peacefully February 6, 2015 after living a wonderful life of 97 years. She was born in Okolona, Arkansas on April 21, 1917, one of six children, of John and Mamie Thompkins. The family later moved to Clovis, New Mexico and lived as farmers. Louise would remember Thursdays as laundry day and would be forever grateful for the washing machine! Notably she was the first of her family to attend college. In 1937 she married Sterling Riley Sharp and together they raised three children in Clovis then Los Angeles. In the 60s a job with Goodyear moved them to Phoenix, Arizona. She worked many jobs including dime store retail, hair dresser, Firestone production line, and a sewing factory. For years Louise either accompanied Riley on hunting and camping trips or enjoyed their partnership as square dancers! One of her many blessings included her ability to sew almost anything from tailored clothing to upholstered furniture. She was usually dressed with clothes she made - a classy lady with a sweet southern accent. After Riley died at 63 she moved to Sun City West. She loved her life there, her friends, jazzercise, and most importantly having her family close by. At family meals she always made sure we shared the Lord's Prayer. Her faith in Christ was her strength and the twinkle in her eye. We will be forever grateful to the Lord for her faith, her strength, and for her time with us. Louise is survived by her daughters, Jacqueline J. Kottmann and Mitzie D. Bergquist; sister Doris Hudson; brother, Donald Thompkins; her six grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. The family requests that donations be given to Royal Oaks Lifecare in lieu of flowers.