Sharon R. Wilkens

Funeral services for Sharon Wilkens, 73 of New Boston, will be Friday at 11:00 AM at the New Boston United Methodist Church. Burial will be in New Boston Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at the church. Memorials may be made to the Sharon Wilkens Memorial Fund. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, is in charge of arrangements. Sharon died on Monday, May 6, 2013 at her home. Sharon Rae Jones was born on December 5, 1939 in Moline, Illinois. She married Kenneth G. “Toad” Wilkens on June 19, 1959 at Zion Lutheran Church, Taylor Ridge, IL. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2011. Sharon was a homemaker, but also helped her husband run “Toad’s Bait Shop” in New Boston for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially boating and tending her flowers, when she was able. She was an avid cook book collector and enjoyed sharing her cooking skills with her family and friends. Sharon is survived by her children and their spouses: Penny Gipson & Kenneth Conway of New Boston; Teresa & Jason Foster of San Jose, CA and Michael & Mandi Wilkens of Wenona, IL; 2 sisters: Sandy & Barney Brain of Moline and Georgia Bolleart of Tennessee; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and one lovingly expected. She was preceded in death by her mother and step-father: George & Helen (Cook) Bolleart; husband; sons: Kevin, Kenneth, Jr. and Warren and a sister, Nancy Bolleart.