Sharon Kay Kibbe

Sharon Kay Kibbe (Dalrymple)

Sharon Kibbe was born in Wichita, Kansas on April 27, 1944 to Floyd and Florence Dalrymple. She passed away on March 13, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas at the age of 81. She grew up in Osage City, Kansas with her three siblings: Floyd Eugene, Patricia (Pat) Greenwood, and Larry. On June 6, 1965, she married her high school sweetheart, Johannas (Jan) Salling Kibbe. After graduating from Emporia State with a degree in Elementary Education, she went on to teach for 32 years in the 501 District in Topeka, with most of her years at Shaner Elementary. She had a gift for teaching and loved to watch her students learn and grow, not only academically, but in life as well. That love for others overflowed into her personal life with family and friends. After her retirement, she enjoyed sewing and was known as the family seamstress. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips to the east coast with her brother Larry, and toured Europe with her sister Pat and her nieces, Deanna and Robin. She was a member of the infamous bridge club which included her lifelong friends: Dana, Carol. And Darla. Later, she was the bookkeeper for Cruzline Percussion, with her son-in-law, Sal Cruz. She attended countless drumline performances in communities around the State and multiple trips to Disneyworld, Florida with the Topeka High Marching Band.

Her most important role was serving as the glue that held her family together. For her husband Jan, while he was battling pancreatic cancer; and for her children: Craig, Chad and Janelle. She also played a vital role in the lives of her grandchildren by attending events, hosting sleepovers, themed parties, and serving as an example of a life well lived, despite the challenges that came along with it. Her motto to them all: “Make everyday matter”.

She is survived by her children: Craig (Shelby), Chad, Janelle Cruz (Sal), all of Topeka. Her grandchildren: Christian Heisler-Cruz (Riley), Emma Joens (Michael), Simone Cruz, Claire Andrews (Caden), and Isaac Kibbe; and two great-granddaughters: Jordan and Hallie Joens.

A memorial service will be held on April 23, 2026 at the Mater Dei Event Center: 1114 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, Ks. 66604. The brief memorial service will begin at 6:00, followed by a time of fellowship remembering Sharon.

Memorial contributions can be made to Cruzline Percusison