Obituaries

Sharon A. Keating

Photo of Sharon A. Keating
Sharon A. Keating, 75, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 17, 2021. Surrounded by loved ones, Sharon was prepared to meet her Lord and Savior after a strong battle with appendix cancer. Born the daughter of Frederick and Ethel (Reuhl) Lagerquist, on April 29, 1946, in Evanston, Illinois, Sharon spent most of her childhood in Albany, Georgia. During that time, she developed her passion for horse riding, faith, and community engagement. In 1965, Sharon was presented as a debutant by the Charity League of Albany. Upon graduation from Albany High School, she continued her educational pursuit at Agnes Scott College, a Presbyterian college, graduating with honors and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History. Professionally, Sharon's career began as an Investigative Broadcast Journalist, a vocation that took her on many thrilling adventures including an illegal distillery operation in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). In 1970, Sharon moved to Jefferson City with her first husband, Michael Beasley, and thereafter met and married the love of her life, Larry Keating on November 12, 1982. Married for 39 years, Larry and Sharon made Jefferson City their home, raising their families and advancing their careers. Early in her career, Sharon also worked as a Department Trainer for Employment Security Credit Union. It was her success in this role that became the foundation for the many personal relationships supporting her move into real estate. In 1979, Sharon obtained her real estate license and began her mission: to help thousands of families achieve the dream of homeownership. Sharon believed that knowledge of homeownership should be accessible, and every weekend she hosted a popular radio show where she shared her knowledge and expertise on the industry. She was a founder of the House of Real Estate, and later, in 1992, Sharon became the founder and co-owner of RE/MAX Jefferson City. Sharon received countless awards within the RE/MAX organization including the Distinguished Service Award and the National Broker-Owner of the Year award for RE/MAX International, the highest recognition in the RE/MAX organization. Locally, Sharon was an icon in the real estate landscape, but her successes did not end here. Sharon was a role model and leader at both the state and national levels. Many referred to her as "Queenie." She had a passion for politics and was a strong advocate for private property rights and ownership. In 2005, Sharon was the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS President, and in 2013, she was the Missouri Association of REALTORS President. Further, in 2014, she served as Presidential Liaison for the National Association of REALTORS extended leadership team. Most recently, in 2018, the National Association of REALTORS awarded her the high honor of Federal Political Coordinator Meritorious Service Award, an award given for her long work and relationship with elected federal officials. Sharon was a devout Presbyterian, steeped in scripture and theology, but above all she was incredibly spiritual and found God in all people and nature. She was an Elder and Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City, and she spread herself throughout all spaces of church life but thrived participating in small group learning. Sharon led adult Sunday school classes and Advent & Lenten in-home study groups where she opened the hearts and minds of so many to God's truth and spirt. And furthered her Advent and Lenten leadership to weekly outreach at Primrose Retirement Community. She was passionate about building God's church and looked for unconventional ways to reach His people. A memorable moment was a short trip with Rev. Rudy Beard and Jack Pletz to a conference in Florida. Though the content was valuable in building strategy, a more powerful and lasting result was a deeper relationship built between Sharon and her companions. Sharon never went to a meeting...she went to bond with people. Sharon supported and shaped her community through her leadership and advocacy in Downtown Rotary (2021 President Elect), Jefferson City Animal Shelter (past President), Dreams to Reality, founder of Horse Ladies that Lunch, PEO member, and long-time member of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few. For 20 years, Sharon had the honor and privilege to serve on the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) and was most honored to serve as MREC Chairman for 14 of those years. When she was not selling real estate, she loved spending time with Larry and attending sporting events, especially MU and Jefferson City athletics. She also enjoyed traveling to conferences and other countries. But most of all Sharon loved spending time with her family, and family gatherings often centered around food-and for Sharon that mostly meant dessert-fellowship, and laughter about countless family memories. Sharon's spirit animal was undoubtedly the horse. Sharon could tell stories about horses for hours, and she would "sneak off" to the farm every chance she could get. Horses were her love and one of her passions. Sharon was part of a supportive community of friends and fellow equestrians and was well known for her involvement in equestrian organizations. Sharon was a lifetime member and Club Vice President of the Central States Arabian Horse Association. She was also well known for breeding championship Arabian horses. Sharon was immensely proud of her champion horses, most recently, a purebred stallion named "Life in the Fazt Lane." Other national champions before him include: "Best of My Love" and "Victim of Love." Regional champions include: "Heartache Tonight" and "House Afire." Her passion for breeding knew no bounds, and she loved her horses as if they were an extension of herself. She traveled to many shows and created memories with her self-proclaimed "horse friends." Over the years, they formed a group called "Horse Ladies who Lunch." Sharon wanted to share her love for horses with everyone. She lent horses to friends for shows and shared horses for RE/MAX Family Fun Days. Clearly, it is safe to say that Sharon was riding one as she entered the glorious gates of Heaven. She is survived by: her husband of almost 40 years, Larry Keating; her brother, Harry Kerber; four children, Jonathan Beasley (Diana) of Jefferson City, Mo., Shannon Moore (Michael) of Maryville, Mo., Robert "Bo" Keating of Springfield, Mo. and Kelly Keating of Springfield, Mo.; nine grandchildren, James Ashby (Christina); Haley Mertgen (Nigel), Shelby Beasley, Jonathan Beasley, Cody Moore, Taylor Harrington, Kimora Jackson, Novica Jackson, Devon Anderson; and two great-grandsons, Brody Moore and Jensen Stocks. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Beasley on June 27, 2009, and her parent's Frederick Lagerquist and Ethel Wareham (James). A visitation for Sharon will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Angela Dionne Madden Scott and the Reverend Dr. David Henry officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery. A webcast of Sharon's service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Friday for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, 324 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; Jefferson City Animal Shelter, 2308 Hyde Park Road, Jefferson City, MO 65109; the Samaritan Center, 1310 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Published July 21, 2021