Sharon Gay Bates Rhome

Sharon Bates Rhome, 65, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, widow of Scott Edward Rhome joined her late husband of 43 years on Sunday, May 29, 2022. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Sharon was born November 28, 1956 in North Ridgeville, Ohio, daughter of the late Arthur Bates and Virginia Bentley Bates. She met the love of her life, Scott, on a blind date 1974. They were married 2 years later, and lived with their children, Ryan and Sara, in South Carolina. Sharon retired after many years from Sunbelt Packaging, making valuable professional contributions, making lifelong friends, endearing her co-workers with her sense of humor and desserts.

She had an infectious smile and was a light to everyone that knew her. Known for being refreshingly honest, she wore her heart on her sleeve, as well as many sparkling brooches. She loved her dogs dearly, and was a champion of all animals (except spiders). She loved music, especially the blues, and instilled that love in her children as well. In her free time she loved looking for cake recipes for every occasion, and usually lots of chocolate was involved.

Sharon was deeply committed to her family, as a daughter, wife, and mother. She selflessly cared for her own mother, father, and husband during their respective illnesses. She was always her children’s biggest cheerleader and a friend to all. Naturally, she took on her own illness with a positive attitude and enduring strength.

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Sara Allison Rhome of Charleston, SC; her son, Dr. Ryan Matthew Rhome (and his husband Preston Keegan Henry) of Indianapolis, IN; and her eldest brother Frank Bates (and his wife Sandra Bates), her twin brother Michael Bates (and his wife Terri Bates), her youngest brother Chris Bates (and his wife Pauline Bates), her Yorkshire Terrier, Andy Rhome, and sister Linda Polansky. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Arthur and Virginia Bates, her husband, Scott (aka Mr. Wonderful), her beautiful sister, Brenda Potantus, and her Yorkshire Terrier, Ellie.

Beyond her immediate family, she loved her many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces, as well as Scott Rhome’s siblings and mother. She had special bonds with nieces/nephews Tracie Potantus, Thom Feher, Virginia Bates Ford, Remy Bates, and her sister-in-law Gayle Caro (and husband Bernard Caro).

In lieu of flower, memorial donations may be made to https://richardsonrescue.org (or your animal rescue organization of choice) in her name.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com