Sharon Lynne McCaughey Fratcher

Sharon (80) died at home in Orem, Utah, on the morning of March 3, 2024. She was born in Seattle, Washington, on January 27, 1944, to Robert C. McCaughey and Freda L. McCaughey. At that time, her dad was serving in the Pacific during World War II. Sharon was raised in Kansas City, Missouri along with her older sister Patricia and younger sister Robyn. She had beautiful red hair.

Sharon married Charles H. Fratcher, Jr. on September 12, 1964, in Kansas City, MO. The couple spent their first year living off campus in Princeton, NJ, while Chuck finished his degree. The marriage had to be approved by the University, and both sets of parents, for Chuck to continue at the then all boys’ school. The next two years were spent in Lawrence, KS, while Chuck got his MBA. The couple’s first child was born during this period. They went on to live in five more locations before settling in Orem forty-two years ago. Sharon had seven children.

In 1972 in Groveton, VA, Sharon invited a newly arrived neighbor for coffee. The neighbor did not drink coffee. The family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at this point. Sharon served in many callings over her lifetime. She was a Librarian for about twelve years.

Sharon was always a Mother and Housewife (not a “neat” one). There were always many animals in the house at any given time from dogs and cats to rabbits, rats and even a hedgehog. She always had various plants in her house and yard. She liked playing Bridge with her husband during the early years and played many games with children and grandchildren. She loved jigsaw puzzles. She was “Mom” to all her children’s friends, and they spent many hours in her home. Ben Perkins was an eighth child.

When her son David got sick his fiancé – Michele Vasquez - moved into the Fratcher home. For the last few years, she has done the shopping and a lot of the cooking for the family. She became Sharon’s ninth child.

Sharon is survived by her husband Chuck. She is survived by her seven children, all of whom were born in different states. Her first four were Laura Lynne (MO), 

Robert Charles (KS) (Brenda), David Steele (NJ), Ellen Marie (IL) (Rob). There was a lull at this point as Sharon had her tubes tied. After joining the Church and having received a revelation, her tubes were fixed. She was told by doctors that she had a five percent chance of having more children. She had her last three – Joseph Leonard (VA), Nathan August (IN) (Jessica), Aaron Thomas (UT).

She has fifteen grandchildren (two greeted her) and five and a half great grands. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Patricia, grandchildren Bryan and Stephen.

A celebration of life will be held on March 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Geneva Heights Stake Center, 546 North 500 West Orem, Utah. There will be a period after the program to meet the family in the Cultural Hall. Luncheon for family and travelers after that, also in the Cultural Hall.

Please, in lieu of flowers, donate to an animal shelter/food bank.