Sharon Rohrbach was greeted with the words ‘well done good and faithful servant’ on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024. Her husband of 39 years, Ken Rohrbach and parents Howard and Evelyn McKinney preceded her in her arrival at heaven’s gates. She is survived by her 4 children Robin, Jon (Christine), Wendy and Ken Jr. (Rachael) and her beloved grandchildren Emma, Luke, Adelaide, Penelope & Henley, as well as many chosen and equally loved children, grandchildren and dear friends.
Sharon is the co-founder of Nurses for Newborns Ltd, Nurses for Newborns Foundation, and Dynamic Change Consulting. She was a Newborn nursery nurse at St. Anthonys hospital for 17 years. She became passionate about improving the health outcomes of moms and babies after insurance companies began reducing the number of days that moms & babies stayed in the hospital after birth which resulted in a surge in preventable illnesses and deaths in infants. Sharon received numerous awards and recognitions for her work with babies including invitations to the Whitehouse during the Bush and Obama administrations, the ‘Use Your Life’ award from Oprah Winfrey and the Robert Wood Johnson Community Leadership Award. She served on several Boards including the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund and the Lutheran Foundation Boards. Her healthcare work continued as a member of the Missouri Foundation for Health’s Community Advisory Council, and she was appointed to several health and early childhood committees and task forces by Missouri Governors. She enjoyed being able to use her voice as a champion for babies and to improve access and equality in our health and social systems.
She was a long-time member of Christ Memorial Lutheran church, and her faith guided her life. Faith and family were her most important priorities. She also enjoyed entertainment (especially Elvi and the Muny); dancing; traveling; RVing and ‘snow birding’ with her daughter in South Texas and California; drawing and painting (especially with her grandchildren); keeping up with the latest news and policies that would effect our most vulnerable. She loved beating people at Words with Friends and, of course, enjoying a nice meal out with a Diet Pepsi. Most recently she enjoyed her time at Gardens Villas hanging out with her lifelong friends, Bob and Doris and Jim who lit up her life. She will be greatly missed.
Funeral arrangements:
Visitation will be at: Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Rd in Affton on Friday September 6th, 2024, from 5 – 7 p.m. And on Saturday, September 7th at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S Lindbergh Blvd, Saint Louis, MO from 9 am – 10:30 a.m. A service will be held at Christ Memorial at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7th. In lieu of flowers donations to Nurses for Newborns Foundation (MO), La Posada Providencia (TX), The Galilee Center (CA) or a quality organization working to make a difference for the least among us in your community are appreciated.
Robin and family,
Sharon was one of a kind and will truly be missed . I’m thankful that Debbie Layton , Laurie Hyde and me ( Gwen Stubblefield )were able to visit and have lunch with Sharon a few months ago. Sharon’s original nurses. . May you have comfort in months to come.with precious memories ❤️
I just heard the sad news of Sharon’s passing. She was an amazing woman and it was a joy and privilege to work with her at Nurses for Newborns. The world was a better place with her in it and now Heaven has a shining star😘
My sincere sympathies to her children and grandchildren. What joy you all were to her.
Ron and I are so sorry for this enormous loss to the world! Simply, we loved Sharon, for her capacity to care for those who could not care for themselves! I am sure she is rocking babies in heaven! Rest in love, Sharon….we love you!
My condolences to Sharon‘s family, she was such a caring, compassionate person for our mothers and babies. I never got the chance to work for the agency, I had the pleasure through several maternal child health organizations many years ago.
Robin, Wendy, Jon and Ken, our deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. Although separated by many miles I have so many fond memories of summer parties and sleepovers at your parents’ place as a child. Your mom’s infectious smile always made me feel so welcomed! We were glad to have an Ontario visit when Sharon and Robin went to the Elvis Festival in Collingwood and more recently a visit in Palm Springs. Thinking of all of you, Michelle (Lippert) and Kevin Vennard
Sharon was my hero. She decreased infant mortality in St Louis by starting her own company, helping better the lives of babies and moms and saving them She was a caring, loving, compassionate woman who will be very missed. Because she had her dream of saving babies lives I had mine following in her footsteps and am forever grateful Hugs to the family
Wendy and Robin, My deepest condolences to you and your siblings for the passing of your mom. She will always be remembered for many things including the important work that she did with NFN.
Just heard. We started NFN to work part time, do bible study, And most importantly because the Holy Spirit told us, and guided us. Sharon was an inspiration. She will be missed.
Sharon will be missed. We started NFN by being lead by the Holy Spirit. She was a spiritual mentor for me. We needed nurses, and they appeared. Laurie, Debbie, and Gwen. The backbone of the nurses. Jan and Brenda. All needed, and showed up. Then her daughter Robin joined the mission. Sharon is with Jesus now. She was blessed in life, and will be blessed in heaven
Condolences to her children’s, grandchildren and friends. Love you Sharon!
Robin ,Wendy, Jon and Ken
So sorry to hear.of the.passing of your mom Sharon
My memories.of her go back to when I was a crossing guard near Sharon home on Winnebago and I believe Pennslyvania St
In south St. Louis. Her mom would walk to Froebel school every morning
our friendship grew ov er the years after our marriages camping trips,ball games etc. She will be dearly.missed. I am sure God will have a special place for. her
God bless
What a beautiful legacy to leave for us to use as an example of a true angel on earth.
Sharon was a wonderful mentor for me. Her passion for helping non profits was palpable as you worked with her. I am forever grateful for her wisdom and friendship.
Robin, Wendy, Jon, and Kenny ,It is with deep sadness that I learned of Your Moms passing. I have had the honor of being friends of your Mom and Dad for over 40 years, since your dad worked for the Machinists Union. During that time we enjoyed many good times together. I always considered your Dad to be one of my closes friends. I even got to work with Your Mom while She served on the Missouri Foundation for Health. I am so sorry I can’t make it to the services but will keep Her in Our payers from now on.
Jim & Sheila Brown
Robin, I am so sorry to read about your Mom on facebook, but glad to hear about her so I can express my sympathy to you and your family.
Lois Cady
Robin, Wendy, Jon and Kenny. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My husband, Richard Feldhaus, worked with your dad at the Machinist Union Hall for many years and we enjoyed many times together going to several union conventions. My prayers are with your family and please know you have my deepest sympathy. Sharon will always be remembered for her work for Nurses For Newborns.
Sending prayers to Wendy and her family, Ms. Sharon was always very nice all the times I’ve seen her. One thing I know is that she raised some very amazing people who loved her dearly. Praying God gives you all strength in this time.