Sharon Deatz
1946 - 2025
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Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
Rev. Sharon Leigh Yunker Deatz, 79, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, in East Windsor, New Jersey.
Born on June 28, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sharon was the daughter of Arthur James Yunker Jr. and Carolyn Harper Yunker. She began her academic journey at Hanover College, where she met the love of her life, Doug Deatz. The two were married in 1966, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in family, faith, and service.
Sharon’s educational path reflected her deep commitment to ministry and pastoral care. After attending Hanover College, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville in 1982. She went on to receive a Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) in 1986 and later completed a Doctor of Ministry in psychotherapy at LPTS in 2000.
Her ministry began as associate pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in Montclair, New Jersey. She went on to serve as pastor for three other Presbyterian churches across Kentucky and Indiana and later worked as a pastoral counselor in Michigan until her retirement in 2005. Retirement did not mark the end of her calling; Sharon continued to serve through counseling, leading worship and study groups, and officiating vow renewals, funerals, baptisms—including those of her grandchildren—and weddings, including her oldest granddaughter’s wedding in August 2024.
In 1988, Sharon was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the physical challenges that followed, she remained unwavering in her devotion to ministry, family, and advocacy. Her resilience was matched only by her compassion and determination to uplift others.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband Doug Deatz; their three children: Allison Keessen, Wendy O’Hara, and Greg Deatz; her sister Holly Biddle; and eight cherished grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Throughout her life, Sharon was deeply engaged in civic and religious organizations that reflected her values. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters, the Louisville Zoo community, the National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen, Kentucky Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Kentucky A-Fund, and PEO. Her passions included preaching, teaching, and pastoral care—areas where she left an indelible mark.
A fierce advocate for equity and inclusion, Sharon championed racial justice, women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the rights of people with disabilities. Her voice was one of compassion and conviction—a beacon for those seeking justice and belonging.
Sharon will be remembered as a force of nature whose spirit inspired all who knew her. She created a warm and welcoming home with Doug at her side—a haven for family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and acceptance for all who entered. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her wisdom, empathy, and unwavering support.
Before her death, Sharon committed her body to scientific research at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. A memorial service will be held in January 2026. Please revisit this posting for updated service details as they become available.
Please do not send flowers. Instead, please donate to the National MS Society (https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/Sharon-Yunker-Deatz), Paws with Purpose (https://www.pawswithpurpose.org/donate/), or the Kentucky A-Fund (https://www.kyafund.org/donate).
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
Born on June 28, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sharon was the daughter of Arthur James Yunker Jr. and Carolyn Harper Yunker. She began her academic journey at Hanover College, where she met the love of her life, Doug Deatz. The two were married in 1966, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in family, faith, and service.
Sharon’s educational path reflected her deep commitment to ministry and pastoral care. After attending Hanover College, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville in 1982. She went on to receive a Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) in 1986 and later completed a Doctor of Ministry in psychotherapy at LPTS in 2000.
Her ministry began as associate pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in Montclair, New Jersey. She went on to serve as pastor for three other Presbyterian churches across Kentucky and Indiana and later worked as a pastoral counselor in Michigan until her retirement in 2005. Retirement did not mark the end of her calling; Sharon continued to serve through counseling, leading worship and study groups, and officiating vow renewals, funerals, baptisms—including those of her grandchildren—and weddings, including her oldest granddaughter’s wedding in August 2024.
In 1988, Sharon was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the physical challenges that followed, she remained unwavering in her devotion to ministry, family, and advocacy. Her resilience was matched only by her compassion and determination to uplift others.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband Doug Deatz; their three children: Allison Keessen, Wendy O’Hara, and Greg Deatz; her sister Holly Biddle; and eight cherished grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Throughout her life, Sharon was deeply engaged in civic and religious organizations that reflected her values. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters, the Louisville Zoo community, the National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen, Kentucky Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Kentucky A-Fund, and PEO. Her passions included preaching, teaching, and pastoral care—areas where she left an indelible mark.
A fierce advocate for equity and inclusion, Sharon championed racial justice, women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the rights of people with disabilities. Her voice was one of compassion and conviction—a beacon for those seeking justice and belonging.
Sharon will be remembered as a force of nature whose spirit inspired all who knew her. She created a warm and welcoming home with Doug at her side—a haven for family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and acceptance for all who entered. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her wisdom, empathy, and unwavering support.
Before her death, Sharon committed her body to scientific research at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. A memorial service will be held in January 2026. Please revisit this posting for updated service details as they become available.
Please do not send flowers. Instead, please donate to the National MS Society (https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/Sharon-Yunker-Deatz), Paws with Purpose (https://www.pawswithpurpose.org/donate/), or the Kentucky A-Fund (https://www.kyafund.org/donate).
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
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