Sharon Kay Hornback (Shari) was born September 23, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa.  She was the oldest daughter of Merlin and Elaine Cook.  She peacefully passed away at her home on August 11, 2023.

Shari is best known for her love, care, and compassion for others.  She was married to her best friend and husband, of 57 years, whom she met at the age of 13.  Together they built a life, a home, and a family.  They supported and loved one another without question or compromise through the good, bad, and difficult times.  To her family (and perhaps friends) she is remembered as the energizer bunny. She always needed to be busy and became easily bored when not having a place to go or something to do.  In her life she was an avid camper, dancer, musician, homemaker, cook, teacher, crafter, rock discoverer, storeowner, and gardener.  She volunteered at Living History Farms and Blank Park Zoo.

Musically, Shari played the Dulcimer and played her beautiful music for family, friends, and others.  She and her husband played semi-professionally and produced three albums with Homespun Harmony. She also played with Carlisle Cut Off band that often performed at the Iowa State Fair.  More recently, she played her music for family events.

The best part of her world was being a Mom. Her husband expressed that "being a mom was her mission in life and she did it well".  She was the center of the Hornback family and took her role seriously.  Her joy in life was to have her children around and spending time together.  She especially loved vacations, holidays, random gatherings, and campfires.  She loved planning and bringing her family together. She enjoyed her small get aways with her best friend and partner in life, her husband.

While being a Mom was her mission, being a Nonnie was her shining achievement.  She loved each and every one of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, each one equally and without question.  She will be remembered for her sound advice, supportive encouragement, love, and her "Nonnie" ways.  She interacted with her grandchildren with unconditional love and encouragement.  She especially was one to always be prepared with gifts to make each holiday and family event special.

As her husband shared, trying to capture her life of 76 years of life in a few short paragraphs is a near impossible task.  In the end and in a few short words she is loved and will be missed more than words can speak.

Shari is preceded in death is her beloved daughter Michelle Nicole Hornback, parents Merlin and Elaine Cook, Charles Sr. and Emma Hornback (parents through marriage) and other family members.  She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles Hiram Hornback and her children Kristin Carmody (John), Wendie Discher (Todd), Michael "Sean" Hornback (Traci), Mark Hornback (Patricia), Sarah Swackhamer (Joseph), and Jonathan Hornback.  Shari had several grandchildren Alexandra, Blaine, Ryan, Stephen, Tylor, Takota, Samantha, Jacob, Alissa, Kayla, Elaine, Josiah, and Ethan) and greatgrandchildren (Jaxon, Jace, and Laken.  Her sister Suzanne Lauthers (Larry) and several nieces and nephews).

Services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial following in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa.  Visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 15,2023 at Overton Funeral Home.  Memorials in Shari's memory may be given to Blank Park Zoo.