Sharlene Fay Schmidt – Wolford – Haney of Independence, Missouri entered into eternal rest on 14 May, 2020. Born 14 Feb 1945 in North Belle Vernon, PA to Jacob Charles Schmidt, Jr. and Vera Lillian Hoffman, she attended Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (Class of 1964), and Gallaudet College (Class of 1969). Sharlene married and later divorced Charles Armon Wolford.
Sharlene started a career in data processing with the Illinois Department of Public Health from 1970 until 1982. She served as a member and officer of the Bloomington, Illinois and Springfield, Illinois Clubs for the Deaf, as well an officer of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf.
Sharlene graduated from Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois with an AAS in Computer Sciences in 1982. She then earned a BS in Computer Sciences from California State University of Pennsylvania in 1987. She was a member and officer of the WPSD Alumni Association. Sharlene had a career with the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs as a health care Systems Analyst from 1987 until she retired in 2000. She was awarded the PA state disabled employee of the year in 1998.
Sharlene then married Leland JC Haney, a Gallaudet college classmate, of Independence, MO. She served as Treasurer, Vice-President, and President of the Jackson County, Missouri Association of the Deaf for many years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Ronald Jacob Schmidt, Sr., and her husband Leland Haney. She is survived by her children, John (Joey Stevens) Wolford (San Francisco, CA), Cathee Wolford (Jefferson City, MO), Gary Wolford (Kansas City, MO), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral arrangements are in care of Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. 816-373-3600. A public visitation is planned from 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, 20 May 2020. A private family funeral will be followed by a private burial on Thursday, 21 May 2020 in Hermitage, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged for Gallaudet University; https://www.gallaudet.edu/office-of-development/one-time-donation. Buff and Blue forever!
