Sharon "Pinky" Mester

Sharon “Pinky” Mester, age 81, of Athens, Illinois, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Villa East Nursing Care in Sherman, Illinois.

She was born on April 15, 1945, in Athens, Illinois, the daughter of Marshall and Alta “Topsy” Bushong Pierceall.

Sharon married Charles “Butch” Mester, Jr. on May 22, 1965, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Sherman, Illinois.

Mourning her passing are her husband, Butch; two daughters, Angela (husband John) Hyde and Cynthia Mester; grandchildren, McKenzie (Daniel Sundberg) Mester, Jackson Hyde, Justice Mester, Augustine Hyde, and Bosco Hyde; great-grandchildren, Sterling and Charles Jaye (CJ) Sundberg; sister, Linda Weidhuner; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and three sisters.

Sharon graduated from Athens High School with the Class of 1963.

She retired from the Illinois Department of Revenue in 2002 after 19 years of service.

Sharon had been a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1963.

She enjoyed shopping, cruising, crafting, gambling, and traveling. One of her favorite traditions was participating in the annual canoe trip to Lesterville, Missouri, which she enjoyed for 32 years.

Visitation for Sharon will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Athens. A luncheon will be held at the Athens Christian Church immediately after burial at Joel Hall Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Holy Family Catholic Church, or the Canons of St. John Cantius.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.