Sharon Yleen Karm

In Loving Memory of Sharon Yleen Karm

Sharon Yleen Karm, 74, passed away on June 12, 2026. She was born on September 21, 1951, in Columbus, Texas, to Lonis Karm Sr. and Evelyn Joyce Zapalac.

Sharon spent most of her life in Texas, where she built lasting friendships, raised her family, and created countless memories with the people she loved.

Many people throughout Wharton and the surrounding communities will remember Sharon from her years working for Irby Kerlick at Farmers Insurance in Wharton. She was known for her warm smile, caring heart, and genuine kindness, leaving a lasting impression on coworkers, clients, and friends alike.

To know Sharon was to know laughter. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day. She loved animals and never hesitated to show kindness to those around her. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—listening to music, dancing around the house, cooking for the people she loved, and making memories that would last a lifetime.

Family was the center of Sharon’s world. She adored her children and found her greatest happiness in watching them grow, while also cherishing every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life and her greatest source of pride and joy. She would do anything for her kids and grandbabies, and they knew without question how deeply they were loved. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support will remain with them always.

Nothing made Sharon happier than having everyone together around the table for one of her home-cooked meals or a backyard barbecue. She loved trying new recipes, printing them almost daily, and spoiling her family with delicious food. Her homemade fire crackers, kolaches, and secret BBQ sauce became family favorites, and her Halloween chili was a tradition everyone eagerly anticipated each year.

Sharon had a deep love for music and could often be found singing along and dancing to country classics by artists like Lorrie Morgan and Hank Williams, while also enjoying Blake Shelton. Her laughter, her music, and her joyful spirit brought happiness to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Zeke Rodriguez; her parents, Lonis Karm Sr. and Evelyn Joyce Zapalac; and her siblings, Joyce, Carl, Lonis, Roger, Carol, Bo, and Baby August.

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Wanda (David) Garza of Wharton, Texas, and her son, Brian (Ariel) Rodriguez of Pearsall, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Janet (Paul) Hahn, her sister-in-law, Marie Martinez, and many beloved nieces and nephews who will cherish the memories they shared with her.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Ryan (Laura), Cody, Kassilynn (Jonathan), Dylan, Riley, Madison, Ashlyn, Kaitlyn, Taylor, and Brian Jr. Her legacy continues through her beloved great-grandchildren: Ember, Leon, Aubriella, Alexia, Aria, Evalina-Marie, and Tenessi, each of whom brought endless joy to her life.

A memorial service celebrating Sharon’s life will be held at Wharton Funeral Home on July 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.The service will be open to the public, and all who knew and loved Sharon are welcome to attend and join her family in honoring her memory.

Sharon leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and unforgettable family traditions. She taught those around her that the best moments in life are spent with family, sharing a meal, laughing together, singing along to favorite songs, and making memories that last forever.

She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered every day. Whenever country music fills the room, a family recipe is shared, or a cherished tradition is carried on, those who loved Sharon will be reminded of her beautiful smile, her infectious laughter, and the immeasurable love she gave so freely. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

“All you have to decide, is what to do with the time that is given to you. You won’t get to choose how long you are here or how many sunrises you have left. You don’t get to rewind, pause, or skip the hard chapters. All you get is now!” - Author Unknown