Sharon Gale Mater

Sharon Gale Mater, 95, passed away peacefully in her home on November 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Sharon was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was defined by her love for God, family, and community.

Born in Pikeville, Kentucky, Sharon graduated from Pikeville Academy College, where she met the love of her life, Bruce Hall Mater. The two shared 70 wonderful years of marriage before Bruce’s passing. Together, they built a home filled with love and faith, raising four children, and sharing countless cherished memories with their 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren -all of whom brought them immense pride and joy.

Sharon dedicated much of her life to nurturing her family. Her role as a homemaker was marked by boundless love, encouragement, and selflessness. She also served her community through her work with the Jeffersonville Planning and Zoning Commission and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sharon was a long-time and devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in New Albany, Indiana, where she joyfully volunteered her talents and built lasting friendships. Her faith was a guiding force in her life that inspired her family and all those around her.

As a talented artist and pianist, Sharon also found great joy in the outdoors, often camping and fishing with her grandchildren. The “Epic Patoka Lake Outdoor Adventures” were among some of her most treasured moments as “Nonnie, Pop and the kids” would often “disappear” for weeks at time.

Sharon is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce and beautiful great-grand daughters Gwynn & Marion. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Dr. Bruce Alan Mater (Betty), Lea Lynn Orberson (William), Susan Reed (Steve), Amy Rutledge and her grandchildren: Ben Mater (Lindsey), Katie Brewer (Scott), Maddie Morris (Chris), Allie Wiles (Jeff), Nic Reed (Abby), Kelsi Reed, Sam Rutledge (Rachel) and her great-grandchildren: Henley Mater, Gabriel Brewer, Michael Brewer, Raphael Brewer, David Rutledge, Noel Rutledge, Danielle Rutledge, Charlie Morris, and Beverly Reed.

Visitation and her funeral service with be held at Grace Lutheran Church (1787 Klerner Lane New Albany, Indiana) on Friday November 22, 2024. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by the funeral at 2:00 p.m. Internment will follow at Abundant Life Memorial Gardens in New Albany, with a luncheon at the church afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sharon’s memory to Grace Lutheran Church, New Albany, or to Southern Indiana Care Hospice.

Her family and friends knew her as kind-hearted and will fondly remember that she left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Sharon is now at peace in her heavenly home, reunited with her beloved husband and embraced by God’s eternal love. Her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on through all who knew and loved her.