SHARON "SHARI" L. BURKHOLDER

Age 49, of Hessville, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Shari is survived by her sister Sandra (Leo) Van Laan; daughter Kaili Jonsson; niece Emily Van Laan; nephews: Andrew (Leslie) Van Laan, Benjamin (Nicole) Van Laan and Timothy (Kristina) Van Laan; many friends, aunts, uncles and cousins; Preceded in death by her parents Joyce and Jay Burkholder; grandparents Eunice and William Marlatt.

Shari was a huge sports fan and softball was her first love. She was happy to be able to pitch a reunion game of the Hessville Bananas with friends and team mates in 2011. Shari was an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan and was selected to play blackjack at the unveiling of the Blackhawks Blackjack Pit at the Horseshoe Casino in 2014, and was excited to have cards dealt to her by Gene Honda, the announcer for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Shari lived in Las Vegas for three years and while there she was trained as a professional blackjack dealer and was employed as a dealer by the Silver Slipper Casino. She loved college basketball, especially the Purdue Boilermakers. An animal lover, Shari cared for all creatures and had a special place in her heart for her cat, Tigg, and her dog, Remington. Over the years Shari traveled to the West Coast, Hawaii, and Costa Rica and recently enjoyed vacations with friends to New Orleans and Memphis. She loved the outdoors, and was especially happy being near the ocean. Shari attended many concerts and her favorite live act was Fleetwood Mac, whom she saw twelve times. Shari will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory, 14 Kennedy Avenue (corner of Main and Kennedy), Schererville with Andrew Bailey officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 4:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home.