Sharon Kay Schleis, age 76, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away on October 19, 2026, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri. Sharon was born to Dock and Imogene (Keysser) Little on August 16, 1950, in Christian County, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Ted Schleis on May 10, 1995, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Sharon and Ted shared 31 years of marriage before her untimely passing. For many years, Sharon was a member of Calvary Baptist Temple in Nixa, Missouri. Sharon was blessed with a loving son, Aaron Layton.

Sharon was employed as an assembly line worker with Zenith Electronics for 20 years. After that, she worked as a pharmacy associate at Walmart in Ozark and Nixa. After more than 18 years of dedicated employment, Sharon retired from the Walmart in Nixa. When not working, Sharon had many interests and pastimes including playing the organ, listening to classical music, and training her German Shepherds, Poodles, and Malteses. She was also an avid reader who loved to read anything in print. Sharon also spent a great deal of time working in the yard with Ted and enjoying the great outdoors. She also loved to cook, grill, and barbeque. She was a happy soul who loved children, dogs, books, and music. Sharon will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, pet owner, and friend. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love, warm hospitality, and a genuine love and appreciation for music and animals.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Dock and Imogene Little; brother, Wilburn Little; and brother, Roger Little. She is survived by her husband, Ted Schleis; son, Aaron Layton and his wife, Amy; granddaughter, Hailey Layton; nephew, Roger Little; nephew, Ryan Little; and a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside service for Sharon will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, 11:00 am, at Highlandville Cemetery, with celebrant Sherry Adams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Sharon’s memory to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, the largest no-kill, non-profit animal shelter in Southwest Missouri. The Humane Society is dedicated to finding forever homes for every animal that enters its facility (3161 W. Norton Road Springfield, MO 65803 telephone 417-833-2526).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Missouri.