Sharon Lynn (Lesher) Boothby

Sharon L. Boothby passed away September 30th from a sudden illness. She was the daughter of the late Robert William Lesher and Jane Lee Yelton Lesher and grew up in Indianapolis.

She graduated from North Central High School in 1965 and Indiana University with a degree in psychology.  

Sharon was a Master Gardener, active in Democratic politics for 3 decades working as a precinct committee chair, district official and delegate to Democratic Conventions.

Sharon was once an active member of the Indianapolis Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) where she chaired the FCC Task Force, examining the renewal applications for Indianapolis Broadcast Licenses for hiring and promotion of women and minorities in front of and behind the cameras and microphones. Those actions led to the women and minority spokespeople seen and heard in weather and news reporting today in local radio and tv.

She also was active in lobbying for the Equal Rights Amendment which Indiana ratified January 18,1977 and abortion rights which became legal and safe in 1973. She acted as Treasurer for the Indianapolis Chapter of NOW and of the Indiana NOW PAC for several years.

Sharon worked for her father’s restaurant businesses while still attending school. She took early retirement from the State of Indiana where she worked in Disability Determination and Medicaid.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Ryan Lesher and first cousin Jeff Thrush. Jeff was her constant companion in her travels in the US and abroad. Early in her career, she spent a year traveling and working in the United Kingdom.

She is survived by her brother Randy Lesher, sister in law Stacy Lesher, nephews Ryan and Brendon Lesher, first cousin once removed Sam Thrush and other relatives.

Cremation was arranged by Lauck and Veldhof Funeral and Cremation Services. She asked that no memorial services be held, however there will be a sharing of memories of her contributions at the ERA Reunion on Saturday, August 6th, 2022 at 6 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis.

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