KU News Release

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and Marilu Goodyear, chair of the Department of Public Administration, issued the following statements today on the death of student Sharon Petrie.

Gray-Little: “This tragic loss of a wife, mother, daughter, student and friend will be felt by many at the university and beyond. The loved ones of Sharon Petrie are in my thoughts and prayers.”

Goodyear: “Sharon was a thoughtful student who applied her dedication to public service to developing perceptive and creative solutions to organizational problems. She will be greatly missed by her classmates in the public administration program.”

Petrie, 52, of Overland Park, died Jan. 1. She completed a bachelor of general studies degree with majors in public administration and history for fall 2010. She will be awarded her degree posthumously.

She is survived by her husband, William Steven Petrie; children, Grace Nicole, William Matthew, Mary Elizabeth and Donald Michael; parents, Delbert M. and Rose Forrest; and sister and brother-in-law, Ken and Sheila Wagner, and their three children.

Visitation is planned for 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, with a funeral service at 10 a.m., both at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. Interment will take place in Johnson County Memorial Gardens.