Shari Jillene Ream

Shari J. Ream, 68, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO.

She was born on July 13, 1957, in Sugar Creek, MO, the daughter of Alvin Earl Lind and Dorothy Jillene (Balch) Lind, who preceded her in death. Shari spent her early childhood near Independence, MO, before moving with her parents, brother, and sister to a farm near Preston, MO, where she was raised.

Shari graduated from Skyline High School in Urbana, MO, in 1975. During her high school years, she was actively involved in choir and Honor Choir. She continued her education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in Independence, MO, before transferring to Graceland College in Lamoni, IA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in Social Work in 1979. In the early 2000s, she furthered her education through Central Missouri State University, earning her master's degree in Special Education.

On June 21, 1986, in Cross Timbers, MO, Shari was united in marriage to Alan Raymond Ream. Following their marriage, the couple made their home on a farm just outside Sedalia, MO, where they raised their three sons and resided throughout their married life.

Shari devoted her professional life to serving children and families. Early in her career, she worked in social work, assisting at-risk children through foster care and programs designed to promote stable and positive home environments. After spending several years at home raising her sons, she returned to the workforce as a substitute teacher in both public schools and the state school system. She soon found her calling at the E.W. Thompson State School, where she excelled as an educator. Shari had a special gift for connecting with students, teaching life skills in ways they could understand and apply. She remained at E.W. Thompson State School for the remainder of her teaching career.

Faith was a central part of Shari's life. She was baptized at the age of eight and remained deeply committed to her faith throughout her life. She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ, Warrensburg Restoration Branch, where she was actively involved in church activities. Shari taught Sunday School, helped develop Vacation Bible School programs, and managed the church bulletin for many years while her husband served as pastor. She was widely loved within the congregation and admired for her strong faith, dedication, and service to others.

Shari was briefly involved in 4-H with her sons and faithfully supported her husband in his involvement with the Missouri Cattlemen's Association. In her free time, she found great joy in tending her large vegetable garden and caring for her flowers. She was an accomplished seamstress, often sewing clothing for her family, especially her sons. Shari also enjoyed crafting for church and school programs. In later years, she cherished quiet moments on her front porch, listening to audiobooks while sipping ice-cold sweet tea. Above all, she treasured time spent with her grandchildren, delighting in spoiling them, doing crafts, and creating lasting memories.

In addition to her husband, Alan, Shari is survived by three sons, Trent A. Ream, Seth I. Ream (Chanelle) and their children, Wyatt and Alaina Ream all of Sedalia, MO, and Linden L. Ream (Morgan) and their daughter, Emma Jo L. Ream of Fortuna, MO; a sister, Vicki Pitts(Dale) and a brother, Sid E. Lind (Gwen) all of Preston, MO; an adopted brother, Shawn Lind; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Pastor Dale Jenkins and Mark Bendorf officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Micheal Pitts, John Pitts, Isaac Pitts, Jared Lind, Kevin Sartin, and Clinton Hubbard.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or to the Open Door Soup Kitchen in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.