Sharon Kay Britten

Sharon Kay Britten, 61, of Fulton, passed away at her home on July 7, 2013. She was born May 2, 1952 in Eldora, Iowa, the youngest of four children to the late Harold and Ruth Britten. Sharon graduated from NESCO High School in 1970. She attended the University of Missouri. Sharon earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in political science with a minor in psychology graduating cum laude from Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C., in 1974. Sharon's professional life in public relations and communications included being employed as Communications Officer for the Missouri State Senate in Jefferson City and as Director of Alumni Relations for Linn Technical College in Linn. She received professional recognition by creating seven publications produced for the Missouri Division of Commerce and Industrial Development that won awards in interstate competition. Sharon was also employed at the Fulton State Hospital as Co-Director of Patient Relations. In her role as client advocate, she was selected to speak at a conference in Bethesda, Md., as part of a Seclusion/Restraint Steering Development Team. Sharon was a part of a team from Fulton State Hospital organizing clients to be involved in a partnership in treatment and giving them a voice in what happens at the hospital where they are receiving treatment. She was a trained and licensed facilitator for Procovery Circles. As a facilitator, Sharon provided a forum for people with mental health issues to share personal experiences in an emotionally safe environment thus helping each other find hope a skills to reach their own best path. Sharon was a gifted writer with a witty sense of humor delivered with impeccable timing. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed the performing arts as well as singing and playing music with her family and friends. Sharon is survived by two brothers, Jerry Britten (Leola) of Zearing, Iowa, and Alan Britten (Karen Combs) of McCallsburg, Iowa; sister-in-law, Bonnie Britten of Seattle, Wash.; 12 nieces and nephews; and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by one brother, Kent Britten. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2013, in the Bethel United Methodist Church. Interment will be held at Lincoln Township Cemetery in Zearing, Iowa. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2013, also at Bethel United Methodist Church in Zearing, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Fredregill Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Iowa, 416 Douglas, Suite 203, Ames, IA 50010. Online condolences may be shared at www.MaupinFuneralHome.com.