Graveside services for Sharon Kay (Mapes) Heinrich, 79, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Homeland Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Heinrich passed away peacefully at her home April 4, 2026.

She was born September 30, 1946, to William Clare Mapes and Pearl A. Lavely. On January 12, 1968, Sharon married the love of her life, Phillip Heinrich, in Rockford, Illinois. Together they built a warm and loving home, where Sharon’s quiet strength and caring spirit shaped the lives of everyone she touched.

Sharon led a contented and devoted life as a homemaker. She delighted in creating a welcoming home and took great joy in cooking, and her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aromas of meals lovingly prepared for family and friends. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and hosting holiday gatherings where family traditions were treasured and laughter was shared. Sharon loved word games, puzzles, and trivia, always keeping her mind sharp. She also found fulfillment in her work as a hostess and waitress, where her warmth and kindness made every guest feel at ease. A woman of deep affection for her family, Sharon cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She appreciated nature’s simple beauty, finding peace in the world around her, and she remained engaged and thoughtful about the world’s happenings, with a keen political mind.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Phillip Ray Heinrich, West Plains, Missouri; two children, Sherrie Lynn Heinrich, West Plains, Missouri and Christopher Ray Heinrich of New York, New York; two grandchildren, Hannah Nicole Beaulieu and husband, Curtis, and Jenna Kay Gough, all of West Plains; and one great-grandchild, Miles Edward Hall. Sharon is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, four sisters, Esther, Dorothy, Freda, and June and one brother, Clare.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.