SPRINGFIELD – Sharon L. Lokaitis, 69, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born December 2, 1955, to Herman and Alice (Conway) Lokaitis. She was preceded in death by her mother; son, Matthew VanDenBossche; and grandson, Jonathan VanDenBossche.

Sharon attended St. Patrick grade school and Sacred Heart Academy. She was a registered nurse and retired after many years of caring for patients at Memorial Medical Center, SIU and Springfield Clinic. She was a member of Christ the King parish where she served as a Eucharistic minister. She volunteered at homeless shelters in Springfield, delivered meals to seniors with Daily Bread, was a bell ringer for Salvation Army and a St. Patrick's Day Parade volunteer. She enjoyed watching hummingbirds, gardening, nature walks, traveling and attending festivals, horse shows and the Illinois State Fair. She also enjoyed crafting and home projects with her children and brothers. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

She is survived by her children, John VanDenBossche, Rebecca (Ryan) Johnston and Alison (Ben) Hornback; grandchildren, Levi, Nicholas, Ryan , Kyle, Ben, Frankie, Brady and Joy VanDenBossche, Landon and Evan Hagerman, and Elliot and William Hornback; great-grandchildren, Eli, Hayden, Peyton and Skylar; father, Herman Lokaitis; sister, Kathy (Don) Cline; brothers, Joe (Barbara) Lokaitis, Greg (Theresa) Lokaitis and Brian Lokaitis; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will host a memorial gathering from 10 a.m. until the time of a funeral mass at 11 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Reverend James Isaacson officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow. Private inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St. Katharine Drexel Parish.