Sharae Buskirk

Sharae Buskirk

October 1, 1947 – January 15, 2026

Sharae Buskirk (Cherie Conway), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, chaplain, author, and resiliency coach, passed peacefully on January 15, 2026, at the age of 78 in Casper, WY. Born October 1, 1947, Sharae devoted more than four decades of her life to service to others.

Sharae’s calling to ministry and human care began early and remained steadfast throughout her life. Her formal education included a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Bachelors in Psychology from University of Missouri, and years of Dale Carnegie training. She received her ordination from First Christian Church in Midland TX. It was her time serving others though that she felt most enriched her life.

Sharae’s life work was rooted in Midland for many years providing compassionate presence and spiritual care. She served as a chaplain at High Sky Children’s Ranch, offering comfort and stability to abused and neglected children and the caregivers who walked alongside them. She later partnered with Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc., where she coached and mentored others in human relations, communication, and personal resilience.

As founder and director of Words of Hope Ministries, Sharae created interdenominational retreats, resources, and ministry teams focused on healing and hope including a mission trip to Russia where she helped clothe the poor, shelter the homeless, and feed the hungry. The Emmaus Community was blessed with her presence during numerous retreats as an active member of their spiritual team. She also served as a chaplain with Odyssey Hospice Care, walking tenderly with terminally ill patients and their families. She continued this sacred work as Bereavement Coordinator with Gentiva Hospice, supporting families and care teams through grief and loss. In her later years, Sharae worked as a freelance writer and resiliency coach, guiding others through grief, transition, and renewal with wisdom, honesty, and deep compassion—always believing that healing begins with presence and love.

She was a talented pianist, vocalist and author whose words and songs brought joy to the hearts of those who were blessed to experience her talents.

Sharae was preceded in death by her father, Elmer Conway; her mother, Hildred Conway (Sell); and her sister, Dolores Portelli (Bear).

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Gillihan (Turner); her sons, William Buskirk and Gordon Buskirk; her grandchildren, Ashley Backs (Paulic) and Iris Buskirk; her great-grandchildren, Beau Backs and Bruce Backs; and her niece Wendy White (Bear), all of whom carry forward her legacy of faith, compassion, and strength.

Sharae will be remembered for her gentle wisdom, her unwavering commitment to service, and her extraordinary ability to bring comfort in life’s most difficult moments. Her life was a testament to faith in action and love lived out daily.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is working with local charitable organizations in Casper to establish “The Sanctuary Garden”—a peaceful place surrounded by wildflowers and sunflowers, her favorites. These blooms will be grown to be cut and shared with those in hospice care and their families. Interwoven throughout the garden will be an edible landscape, cultivated to provide food for abused and neglected children and the caregivers who help them build better lives.

In death, as in life, Sharae’s memory and our efforts seek to serve others with grace, love, and kindness.

To share a memory of Sharae or leave a special message for the family, please to donate visit: https://gofund.me/9c981f8fc .