Sharon Kelly, age 84, of Ogallala, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025 at her home.
Sharon was born in Ogallala to August and Helena “Lena” (Most) Blomenkamp. She graduated from Ogallala High School. Sharon joined the Navy in 1970 and received her BSN while serving in the Navy.
Sharon dedicated her life to helping others with unwavering compassion and grace. For two decades, she served with distinction as a Navy nurse, where she skillfully ran clinics and ensured every patient under her care received not just treatment, but genuine comfort and attention. After retiring from her distinguished military service, she brought her family to the welcoming community of Ogallala, where she delighted locals and visitors alike by running a charming candy shop that became a beloved fixture for many years.
Sharon’s generous spirit knew no bounds. She volunteered countless hours sitting with hospice patients during their most vulnerable moments, offering comfort and dignity in their final days. She served with dedication on the board for the Nebraska Foster Care Program, advocating tirelessly for children in need. Her passion for nursing education led her to teach the LPN-C nursing course for years, where she mentored aspiring nurses and generously shared the wealth of knowledge she’d accumulated throughout her remarkable career.
Deeply devoted to her faith, Sharon was a pillar of her church community, actively participating in numerous activities and spearheading meaningful projects that brought people together. She cultivated many lifelong friendships, treasuring every moment spent in laughter, conversation, and companionship with those she held dear.
Sharon’s profound love of animals, particularly cats, was a defining part of who she was. Throughout her life, she opened her heart and home to many creatures in need of care, but her feline companions held a special place in her soul. They were her constant companions, her source of joy, and the recipients of her boundless affection.
Sharon is survived by her brother, Gary Blomenkamp and wife Linda, nieces and nephews- Kandis Compton and husband Dave, kids- Kindra, CJ, Kaley, Kiana and Coleton and numerous great nieces and nephews; niece, Bobbie Mesmer and husband Dean, their kids- Kyle, Michael, and Dustin; nephew, Gale Blomenkamp and fiancé Becky, their kids- Krista and Bo Blomenkamp; son -Sean Kelly; daughter- Barbara Dethlefs and husband Dwayne, three grandchildren- Taneil, Jason and Shelby and one great- granddaughter -Kyrie.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, August and Lena Blomenkamp.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with the family greeting friends from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Draucker Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. MST from St John’s Lutheran Church in Brule with the Rev. Jon Dickmander officiating. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. CST at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE.
A memorial has been established to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Military Honors by the Keith County Veterans and the United States Navy.
Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com and services will be live steamed by clicking on the watch live button.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.