Sharon M. Wheelock of Hyannis, Nebraska, passed away suddenly at her home on May 18, 2026, at the age of 87. A lifelong journalist, follower of Christ, and devoted member of the Sandhills community, Sharon dedicated much of her life to preserving local news, history, and the people she loved.
She was born on June 23, 1938, in Hyannis, Nebraska, to Lois Mansfield and Milton Thomas. Sharon spent part of her early childhood in Denver, Colorado, before returning to the Hyannis area, where she lived most of her life and became a well-known and respected figure throughout Grant County and the Nebraska Sandhills.
In 1976, Sharon purchased the Grant County News and served as owner and editor for nearly 50 years. Working closely with her longtime assistant and friend Cassandra, Sharon dedicated herself to serving the community through local journalism. Under her leadership, the newspaper received multiple awards from the Nebraska Press Association, and she was proud to never miss a weekly deadline. She deeply valued her community and the preservation of Sandhills history.
Sharon was devoted to caring for others. For decades, she decorated numerous graves each Memorial Day weekend, honoring those who came before her. She also lovingly assisted in the care of her aunts, Francis and Marie, during their later years. In her spare time, Sharon enjoyed reading, writing, and keeping up with current events.
Above all, Sharon was proud of her family. She was the mother of five children, grandmother of eight, great-grandmother of fifteen, and great-great-grandmother of four.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Chris Teahon; granddaughter, Morgan Caroline Teahon; brother, Bob Thomas; and her parents.
Sharon is survived by her daughters, Robyn Wheelock and Londa Wheelock, both of Hot Springs, South Dakota; sons James Wheelock of Hyannis, Nebraska, and Lance (Delana) Wheelock of Davis, Oklahoma; grandchildren Mindy (Wade) Remmick of Blaine, Minnesota; Tasha (Jamie) Kieth of Dickinson, North Dakota; Dan (Shannon) Teahon of Ashland, Nebraska; Nathan (Dez) Teahon of Aurora, Nebraska; J.R. Wheelock of Gillette, Wyoming; Jayme (Mike) Edwards of Dickson, Oklahoma; Jeffery Wheelock of Lawson, Colorado; and Landon (Mikera) Wheelock of Norman, Oklahoma; along with fifteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service celebrating Sharon’s life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hyannis Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Sandhills Fire and Rescue, 102 S Grant Avenue, P.O. Box 330, Hyannis, NE 69350.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.