Sharon (Sherry) G. Backus, 73, of Unadilla, and Zephyrhills, Fla., went to be with the Lord on Aug. 27, 2020 at Gulfside Hospice Center in Zephyrhills. She was born on April 26, 1947 in Sidney, daughter of Addison G. and Eunice (Fisk) DeForest.
She was married to her high school sweetheart, Stanley E. Backus, for 51 years.
She graduated from Unatego in 1965 and Edwards School of Beauty in 1966. She was actively involved in her community with the Girl Scouts, youth baseball, the Unadilla Fire Department Auxillary, and was a member, youth leader and treasurer of Unadilla Center United Methodist Church. She was an avid gardener and planted and maintained the flower beds at the entrance of Buckhorn Lake. She was also proud to volunteer every year for the New York State Board of Elections.
Sharon worked for John and Jean’s Beauty Salon from 1967-1970 and was the owner and operator of Country Salon from 1978 to 2013. She was an avid reader and loved cooking, sewing, knitting, swimming, playing games and celebrating and spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, Stanley E. Backus; children Stanley “Ley” (DeAnna) Backus II, Bret Backus, and Katrina (Jerry) Ford; grandchildren Syrrah and fiancé Jeremy Baker and Devin Backus, Caleb and Garrett Backus and Cooper Ford; great-grandchildren Zane and Kennedi Backus; sister, Maxine DeForest; brother, Darryl DeForest; several nieces and nephews; emotional support dog, Harley; and her devoted friends, David and Connie Millner.
She was predeceased by her parents, a grandson Trevor Microni, and brother, Bernard A. DeForest.
A celebration of life was held on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Wells Bridge Fireman’s Pavilion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Unadilla Center United Methodist Church, 1203 Butternut Road, Unadilla, NY 13849. Share memories and condolences with the family online at www.landersfh.com.
Heartfelt thanks to her doctors, nurses, and aides that cared for her in Albany, Cooperstown, and Zephyrhills hospitals, with special thanks to Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.
