Sharon Louise Paladino Rodgers

It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Louise Paladino Rodgers, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who went home to the Lord on All Souls Day, November 2, 2025, at the age of 68.

Born on November 5, 1956, to Julia and Alexander ("Ike") Paladino of Catholic Point in Center Ridge, Arkansas, Sharon was the youngest of seven children. She held family and faith closest to her heart, virtues lovingly passed down by her parents. She admired her siblings with lifelong respect and deep devotion. Sharon began her education at her church’s school at St. Joseph’s in Catholic Point, spent a few years at Nemo Vista, and graduated from Sacred Heart School in Morrilton, continuing her family’s tradition of faith-based education. She went on to attend Arkansas Tech University, where, through hard work and sacrifice, she earned her nursing degree. Sharon worked in many roles at the Department of Health and at St. Mary’s in Russellville, where she discovered her passion for operating room nursing. Caretaking was truly her love language.

While in Russellville, she met the love of her life, Robby (“Dee”) Rodgers, and together they built a beautiful family. They were married for 43 years, traveled the world together, and enjoyed the blessings of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In 1995, they moved to Conway, becoming faithful parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where their children also attended school, and she was very involved.

Sharon exemplified the love of Christ in both word and deed. For 27 years, she led a weekly Bible study, enriching countless lives with her faith and wisdom. Sharon lived to serve—joining mission trips, delivering warm meals, volunteering at church and school, organizing gatherings, and preserving her large family’s cherished traditions, holidays, and home place. Active in numerous ministries, charities, and committees, she had a rare gift for truly seeing people and making them feel known, loved, and valued. She celebrated others’ victories as her own and carried their burdens with gentle, steadfast love. Sharon’s generosity was found not just in what she gave, but in her time, her presence, her listening ear, and her faithful prayers. Her life radiated grace, compassion, and unwavering faith.

While Sharon was a constant presence for all her loved ones, her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She sat front and center at their many activities and traveled near and far to support them. They were her pride and joy, and she cherished every chance to cheer them on, spoil them, spend time together, and celebrate the remarkable individuals they are becoming. She was a beloved hero and guiding light to her grandchildren.

Since 2019, Sharon fought ovarian cancer valiantly, facing every challenge with unwavering positivity that drew others to her light. She defied all odds and, through every trial, she professed and bore witness to the Lord’s goodness with confidence and joy.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Julia DeSalvo Paladino and Alexander ("Ike") Paladino; brothers Rapheal Angelo Paladino and Herbert Joseph Paladino; and in-laws Bruce Stobaugh, Bucky Jones, DeeAnn Rodgers, and Marinelle Paladino.

She is survived by her devoted husband Robby ("Dee") Rodgers; her children Kristy Rodgers Ball, Cole (Ashley) Rodgers, and Sonni Elizabeth (Tyler) Runnells; and her beloved grandchildren Taylor (Justin) Cain, Drew Ball, Chayne Ball, Brookelyn Ball, Briley (Ben) Harrod, Ellis Runnells, Ava Madison Rodgers, Landon Rodgers, and Emme Claire Runnells; along with great-grandchildren Nash and Crawford Cain and Blair Ball.

She also leaves behind her siblings Annette (Robert) May, Sonny Paladino, Gerald (Sharon) Paladino, and Paulette Stobaugh-Jones, as well as in-laws Charlsie Paladino, Karen Paladino, Britt (Rhonda) Rodgers, and Ricky Rodgers. The number of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends touched by Sharon’s love and generosity is too numerous to count.

Though her absence leaves an unmistakable void, her family takes comfort knowing that she is now in the presence of our Savior and His mother, both of whom she loved so faithfully.

A rosary will be held at 5:00 pm on Monday, November 10, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, led by Father Patrick Friend. A visitation will follow from 5:30 to 7:30. The Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 11, celebrated by Father Jeff Hebert.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the UAMS Cancer Institute or to the Catholic school of your choice -- St. Joseph’s of Conway, Sacred Heart of Morrilton, or Immaculate Conception of North Little Rock -- each of which held a special place in Sharon’s heart. If you feel moved to make a difference this Christmas season, please help ensure a child in need receives a gift. This was something Sharon cared deeply about each and every year.