Sonya Exline Obituary

Sonya "Sharlene" Exline

Sonya "Sharlene" Spearman Exline, 87, of Forest, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024, at home surrounded by family after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sharlene was born June 26, 1937, in Columbus, to Corda L and E. Pauline (Buess) Spearman. She had many cherished memories growing up in Columbus until age 5, then on the family farm south of Forest. She met Robert (Bob) L. Exline during her junior year in high school in 1954. They married March 25, 1957, and formed a loving partnership that continued until Bob's death in 1993.

Sharlene is survived by her daughters, Tami (Bill) Kotterman of Wharton, Terri Exline of Forest, Traci (Jim) Pickett of Lewis Center, and Tonya Exline of Westerville; grandchildren, Matt (Emily) Kotterman, Kory (Amanda) Kotterman, Kristi (Brice) Rausch, Kelli (Landon) Kessler, Ryan Justice, Jim Pickett, Jenna (Stephen) Magyar, and Jalene (Billy) Kinzel; 15 great-grandchildren; and sister, Debra Spearman of Weaverville, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brother, Ronald Spearman.

After graduating from Forest High School, Sharlene took a position with The Ohio Oil company in Findlay until leaving to begin their family. Through the years, she worked as a photo oil colorist and at Rahrig's in Forest. After Bob's death, she was a Independent Longaberger Consultant for many years.

Sharlene's dedication to her community was an inspiration. She and her family were very proud of her 33 years of service with Jackson-Forest EMS as a volunteer EMT. She was in the second class for EMTs after formation of the EMS service in Forest. Also, she served the community as a Forest Village Councilwoman for 16 years. She was a former honoree of the Community Spirit Award and Grand Marshal of the Forest Tree Town Festival parade.

Sharlene was a very active, lifelong member of Forest United Methodist church. Her faith was very important to her. She volunteered with Forest-Wharton food pantry, as well as former Sunday school teacher and superintendent, church choir, and UMW Rachel group. Also, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Forest, Order of the Eastern Stars, and American Legion Auxiliary.

She was devoted to all of her family and friends and they to her. Sharlene was an incredible, supportive mother to her children and grandchildren, always encouraging and being present with all of their activities and education. Sharlene loved to explore and travel to both new and familiar places and was known to always have her map out while traveling in the car. She always looked forward to the family fishing trips to Manitoulin Island, Canada almost every summer since 1956. Her hobbies included painting, gardening, reading, and watching sports. She was an avid Ohio State fan.

Sharlene's services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Clark Shields Funeral Home with Pastor Christopher Thacker officiating. Burial will follow at Hueston Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Forest United Methodist Church or charity of the donor's choice in care of Clark Shields Funeral Home, 301 S. Patterson St., Forest, Ohio, 45843.

Visit www.shieldsfh.com to view the life tribute, send a condolence, or share a memory.