Obituary – Sharon L. Best
Sharon L. Best, 80, of Birch St., Lock Haven, passed away November 22, 2024, at home. She was born on June 11, 1944, in Loganton to Robert and Helen Cashner Shaffer. Sharon lived the early part of her life on a farm which is now part of the Rosecrans Dam in Loganton; and then moved to Lock Haven.
Sharon was a 1962 graduate of Sugar Valley High School where she was the first majorette in the school, she was a member of FTA (Future Teachers of America) and participated in the chorus and marching band. After graduating high school, she went on to beauty school and received her beauty license. She was a well-respected licensed beautician for several years in the 1960’s. She later managed the Bottorf Shoe store in Lock Haven and showed resilience by rebuilding the store after the devastating 1972 flood. Later in the 70’s she worked at the Lock Haven Hospital and then Sylvania as a billing manager before embarking on a successful 40+ year career as a real estate agent in Lock Haven, retiring from Fish Real Estate. She was an active community member, and belonged to the Better Businesswomen where she received the Leading Businesswoman of Lock Haven award in the 80’s. Sharon was involved with the Historical Society where she dedicated time to local preservation efforts. She also enjoyed being a part of the Red Hat Society connecting with others and celebrating life with joy and laughter.
Sharon became a Licensed Pennsylvania Real Estate Agent on November 17, 1989, starting her long real estate career with Nancy Renninger of the Renninger Real Estate Company in Lock Haven, PA. Throughout her career she experienced many merges including in 2012, the former Brigandi Renninger Realty that became Brigandi Kissinger Realtors which was later acquired in 2017 by Fish Real Estate in Lock Haven where she remained until her retirement in April of 2024. Throughout her career, Sharon was recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Fish Real Estate 2023 Presidents Choice Award for Lifetime achievements for over 30 years of excellence as a realtor and the 2021 More Than a Mortgage Recognition of Exceptional Performance by a realtor.
Sharon also owned and operated the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast from 2001 until 2009. She welcomed guests from around the world, including exchange students from Lock Haven University. She was an active organizer in the local community creating and supporting clubs and gatherings that brought people together. Sharon’s warm hospitality made her a cherished figure among both her guests and community. She was a devoted member of Bald Eagle Presbyterian Church in Mill Hall, PA where she cherished the fellowship with her parishioners and found great joy in attending Sunday services. Her faith and the warm community at the church were a source of comfort and inspiration throughout her life. She had a vibrant love for life and a rich array of interests. Her artistic spirit came alive through her beautiful paintings and the love for opera singing, often filling her home with music from her own voice. Gardening was her sanctuary, where she nurtured nature with the same care she showed her family. She was also passionate about crafting and creating cherished keepsakes by hand, as well as found joy in escaping into the pages of a well-written book. Her hobbies were a testament to her creativity, curiosity, and zest for the beauty in life. She deeply cherished the close friendships in her life, especially the camaraderie shared with her “donut club” friends. Time spent with these dear friends brought her immense joy and countless memories.
Sharon is survived by her daughters, Diane Yeager (Bethel) of Annapolis, MD and Robin L. Yeager (William Tricoli) of Heathrow, FL. Two grandchildren Ashtyn Bethel and Matthew Yeager (Jennifer) and a blended family, which includes three additional grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Each of them brought her immense joy as she held them all close to her heart. Her first husband, Thomas Yeager of Salona, survives. In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her second husband, Ralph Best of whom had been employed at Piper Aircraft.
Memorial Services for Sharon L. Best will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church, 111 Main St. Mill Hall. Family and friends will be received in the church one hour prior to the services. Officiating will be Pastor Sunsan Champion. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Rosecrans. The family suggest memorial contributions in Sharon’s name be made to the Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church.
Services are under the direction of the Gedon Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, Online thoughts and memories can be made at www.GedonFuneralHomes.com and the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page.
