On March 20, 2025, the Lord called home His precious daughter Sharon Ruth Cox. Sharon was born on May 4, 1948 in Visalia, California. She was one of four children born to Wilburn and Pansy McKibben. Sharon attended Redwood High School in Visalia through the 11th grade.

To know Sharon  was to know joy. She had a zest for life that was contagious- She had a way of lighting up every room and bringing a sense of fun and warmth that drew people in. Her deep love for the Lord guided every part of her life. She cherished her time in church and treasured the fellowship with friends that she found there. She had a deep love for people and anyone who knew her couldn't help but love her back.

Sharon found beauty in nature- always searching for that special rock or piece of driftwood to bring home to the garden. She enjoyed watching the white herons- what she loved calling "the big white birds"- and looked forward each year to the birth of the baby geese. One of her favorite things to do was drive through the park each week to see how many she could find. She was a gifted artist and creator of everything sparkly. Whether she was making jewelry, painting, or tending to her beloved garden, she poured her heart into everything that she did. Her backyard was her sanctuary, a vibrant oasis filled with flowers, buzzing bumblebees, and especially her treasured wisteria.

But above all else, Sharon loved her family. That love was the center of her world. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether it was a big celebration or a quiet gathering in her garden, she cherished every moment. She always looked forward to being together.

In 1965 Sharon Ruth married the love of her life, Melvin Ray Cox. Together they build a life full of love and raised three wonderful children: twins Ronnie Roy, Janel Joy and their youngest son, David Dean Leroy.

Throughout her 76 years, Sharon carried many titles- daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandma, Gigi and friend. She was a devoted homemaker and a faithful partner in the family business. She loved singing and was passionate about studying God's Word. Her deepest prayer and desire was that her family would come to know and follow the Lord.

Sharon is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin Cox; her parents, Wilburn and Pansy McKibben; and her precious great-grandson, baby Hank.

She is lovingly remembered and survived by her children: Ronnie and his wife, Tina, Janel and her husband John, and David and his wife Heather. Her siblings: Kenneth and his wife Charlotte, Rufus and his wife Judy, and her sister Brenda, and late husband Dan Bagley.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in her grandchildren: Chelsea and Josh, Colin, Taylor and Brianna, Brittini, Hunter, Macy and Travis; Trenton, Josilyn and Trinity. And in her great-grandchildren: Brayden, Aubrianna, Paisley, Wyatt, Ella, Eli, Hazel and Sunshine.

Sharon lived a life full of love, laughter, spunkiness and faith. Although our hearts ache in her absence, we celebrate the incredible person she was and the love and joy that she gave so generously. She will be missed beyond words but remembered always- in the beauty of nature, in the warmth of family, and in the faith that she carried so gracefully. Each of us who knew grandma is better for having known her. Her legacy is not just in the stories we tell or the memories that we hold, but in how we live, love and care for one another moving forward. Sharon's light continues to shine through all of us- and that eternal light will shine bright for all eternity.