Alisa Ann (Mehaffey) Sharninghouse, born February 2, 1957 in Findlay, Ohio to the late Byron and Leah (Cogley) Mehaffey passed away on October 11, 2024 in Toledo, OH. She grew up in the West Park Area of Findlay. Alisa graduated from Findlay High School in 1975. She married Dennis Z. Sharninghouse on January 31, 1976. After only 37 years of marriage, Dennis passed away suddenly December 6, 2013. Alisa missed him every day and spoke of him often. She had 3 sons, Jeremy (Dr. Robyn Hightower Sharninghouse), Joshua (Sara Hufford Sharninghouse), and John Thomas Sharninghouse. She was certainly a boy Mom. Alisa had three grandchildren, Brenna Bollenbacher, Breese Bollenbacher, and Jackson Z. Sharninghouse.
Alisa had one brother, Kevin (Debi Powell) Mehaffey of Grand Rapids, OH. She had three nephews Byron James, Anthony (Brianna Puckett), and Andrew (Allie Cordy) Mehaffey, along with a great niece, Roisin. Alisa is also survived by a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law, David (Cheryl Beatty) Sharninghouse and Darren (JC) Stafford. She has two nieces (Heidi and Riley) and a nephew (Tyson).
Besides her parents and late husband Dennis, Alisa was proceeded in death by her in-laws, Donald and Frances (Batdorff) Sharninghouse and brother-in-law Dirk. She loved her family and sacrificed so much for them, and even more for her grandchildren. Alisa loved her daughters-in-law like the daughters she never had. Alisa’s niece, Heidi, and her children had a special place in her heart.
Alisa’s family grew through marriage to include some very special people. Jim & Sharon (Metz) Hightower and Bob & Jill Hufford were so near and dear to her.
Alisa, or Lisa as she’d go by sometimes, was first and foremost a Mother to her sons. She never missed a sporting event, concert, or special occasion. Alisa also held many jobs over the years. She often talked about working at Bill Knapps and American Discount in Findlay. Alisa worked at the Arcade in the Findlay Village Mall, as well as at Mark K. Inc. and The Cracker Barrel Store. She also worked as a Classroom Aide for the WCESC, a Cafeteria Worker for Powell Elementary, and helped as a Bus Aide for the North Baltimore Schools.
Alisa loved working with kids. They brought her the greatest joy. She was always nurturing and protecting them. In the cafeteria, Alisa knew every one of the kids and was always using her own money if they were short. As a bus aide, she was the same way. She found ways to keep the kids calm and safe. Whether it was by letting them hold her keys or just being that Grandma figure who was always concerned with how their day was.
I can’t truly tell you how many lives she touched because not only were they the children she interacted with at her job, but also all those who knew her as Mama House. So many people passed through her house over the years. Some stayed a night or two while others stayed years. Alisa cared for each and every person who needed a place. She fed them and listened to them and eventually helped them move on.
Alisa had her Church families from Parkview, Central, and McComb Churches of Christ. She also had her Masonic Families over the years, especially her DeMolay Boys and her Eastern Star Sisters & Brothers. Alisa and Dennis loved traveling and supporting the Sojourner Gospel Quartet. She was a God-Fearing woman who was always ready to talk about Jesus and her faith. Alisa taught Sunday School, Youth Groups, Church Camp, and she enjoyed working with Emmaus Retreats.
Alisa had a special place in her heart for animals. She has had many dogs over the years, along with cats, goats, chickens, birds, fish, and one iguana she was not particularly fond of.
Alisa left us way too soon and she leaves a void that can only be filled with the fond memories we have and all the love she gave us. She loved to travel and wanted to see the world. Even though there were places Alisa never got to see, she was always grateful for every opportunity she had. She loved the mountains of Tennessee the most. That was her special place. Alisa had a T-shirt that read “Just a Tennessee Girl Living in an Ohio World.” If it weren’t for Grandchildren, she would have been on a porch swing on the side of a mountain, but she just couldn’t leave them.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home in Bowling Green, OH from 3-8 pm. Her Celebration of Life will be Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Deck-Hanneman at 11 am with a visitation prior from 10-11 am. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. Please bring stories to share, either written or recorded so her Grandchildren can have them. Those wishing to make a donation may do so to the funeral home or the family to help cover the cost and her medical bills.
We appreciate all of your love and support during this difficult time. God Bless You All!
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hanneman Family Funeral Homes www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
