Sharon Kay Hendren

Sharon Kay Hendren known lovingly to all as Kay, passed away January 30, 2026 surrounded by love and memories that will forever be cherished by those who knew her. Born October 15, 1947 in Broken Arrow, OK to Jack Vanaman and Lennis Billue Vanaman. She graduated from Broken Arrow High School and lived most of her life in Oklahoma but also resided in Texas and Arizona.

Kay was a lifetime baker and crafter, a woman whose hands were rarely still and whose heart was always full. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and joy, where the smell of something sweet baking often meant love was on the way. She had a gift for turning simple ingredients into treats that brought people together, and she never hesitated to share what she made. Many people fondly remember her peanut butter balls and holiday treats she made and gifted them. And the dinner table was always open and visited by many people. Everybody was family and nobody ever went away hungry.

Equally creative in her crafting, Kay found happiness in making things by hand. Her crafts, like her baked goods, were extensions of her love – thoughtfully made and freely given. From a simple pot scrubber she crocheted to elaborate baby blankets that she made each time new babies were welcomed into the world.

Kay was also an avid reader and lamented how she would often get in trouble as a kid for hiding under the covers reading by flashlight after bedtime. In these last few years as her health declined, she spent a lot of time reading her favorite author, Danielle Steel’s novels.

Kay worked many years in the banking industry. During her last marriage, she spent a lot of time secretarying ropings and helped produce the Bushyhead Labor Day Pasture Roping And Barrel Race. Kay went to work and retired from the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. After retirement she greatly enjoyed spending time with her great grandkids having pillow fights and tickle fests and of course baking and crafting.

One of her grandkids described her the very best saying she was stubborn, strong and independent yet balanced with a caring and gentle heart. Kay will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity and the quiet ways she showed she cared. She left a lasting imprint on her family, friends and everyone lucky enough to sit at her table or receive something made with her hands. Kay’s legacy lives on in the recipes passed down, the crafts lovingly kept and the many lives she touched through her kindness.

She is survived by her daughter Kristi Cagle-Hubler and husband Billy of Chelsea, OK. Bonus son Ross Hendren of Stillwater, OK. Grandchildren Davyd Hubler and wife Penny, Heather Hubler, Logan Hubler, Leslieann Hoyl, Savanna Clark and husband Ryan, Nikki Paxton, Amanda Rosenstiel and husband Adam, Lucas Bedner, Meagan Ensminger, and Lily Ensminger. Great grandchildren – Aubrey Hubler, Blaklee Hubler, Clarke Pierce, Kash Hubler, Kobi Hubler, Jessica Hubler, Montana Hubler and Willow Adair. Brother Wayne Vanaman and wife Judy. Sister-in-law Sue Johnson. Plus many special nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her son Danny Nuckolls, Sister Mary Mason, brothers Bob Vanaman and John Vanaman. Grandchildren Lindsay Bedner and Carrie Ensminger.

A Celebration of Her life will be held Thursday, February 5 at 11 AM at Cowboy Gathering Church in Inola, OK