SHARON LYNNE WONDERLY
May 25, 1946 – February 14, 2023
Sharon Wonderly, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. “Memaw” was loved by so many, and had an even bigger love for everyone she knew, which is why we believe Valentine's Day was chosen by God as a special meaning.
Sharon was born to Sherman and Mary Cave in Bakersfield, California on May 25, 1946. At a young age, she was no stranger to hard work on the family farm and in the livestock barns. She won many Grand Champion Market Lamb titles at the Kern County Fair, including the 1965 fair being her final county fair as a 4-H member. She was a graduate of North High School and earned her BS Degree in Food Science from Cal Poly, SLO. While at Cal Poly, she was reunited with Bill Wonderly, a good friend from her 4-H days. They soon began dating and were later married in July 1975 and started a family. She continued her love of showing sheep, as her daughters began their showing career in 1987. She traveled the state of California with her girls, supporting them from State Fair to Jackpot Shows and everything in between. She continued her love of being a shepherd well past the kids' 4-H days, and traveled the state with her family and livestock friends competing at open shows. Although 2020 Covid put a stop to the sheep show circuit, Memaw still loved her sheep and kept her favorites. She found so much joy in feeding and caring for her “3 old ladies” whom she adored, and took care of daily, rain or shine.
Memaw's talents were many, including taking care of her sheep and being an excellent seamstress who loved to crochet, but her greatest joy of all was taking care of and supporting her 6 grandchildren in their extra-curricular activities. She was the biggest gymnastics, cheer, soccer, ninja, choir and school event fan, and never missed a chance to cheer on her grandkids. She lived life to the fullest, and traveled every place she could to enjoy time with family and friends. She traveled cross-country twice in the last two years with her husband Bill, and got to see the sights of Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Nashville, Florida and most recently (February 7 to be exact!) her dream to visit the Rams So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Mary Cave. She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Bill Wonderly; Daughter Melissa and her husband Ryan Fachin; Daughter Jennifer and her husband Justin Mebane; Grandchildren Lacey Fachin (16), Chloe Fachin (13), Kylee Fachin (11), Dominic Fachin (8), Haley Mebane (8), and Cash Mebane (6); Brother Don Cave and his wife Diane; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.
A Rosary will be held on Wednesday March 8 at 9:30am, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, followed by 10:00am funeral Mass. Graveside services to follow at Shafter Memorial Park Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the services. All friends and family are welcome. The family would like to express our sincere thanks for the outpouring of love and support we have received, for the fond memories of her that so many of you have shared with us, and to Peters Funeral Home for the wonderful care given to our family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton “Building Fund”, 12300 Reina Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93312. “Tomorrow is never promised; hold your loved ones tight.”