Sharon M. Wiltz

I, Sharon Dale Wiltz, choose to write my own obituary. I have left this world satisfied that I tried my best. I loved the journey and was mindful of the people whose lives touched mine. I treasured the time spent with my husband James and our family of four, Marci, Mike, Joni and Jamie. I was born January 1, 1934 to Alice (Mills) and Howard Dale of Sterling, IL. Seven years later came my sister Julene Maxey. Together we grew in a loving and caring environment. Together we chose the same profession – dancing. The Sisters of Loretta at St. Mary's Grade School, Sterling, IL encouraged my teaching by having me direct the 1st grade Christmas Program when I was in the second grade. They further encouraged me to teach the choreography to the High School's Musical Revue when I was in 7th and 8th grade – and so it began. My first public recital was at the Moose Hall in 1950. Through the teaching of the Dale sisters at the Dale Dance Studio our students grew in number to five hundred. I did extensive studies in dance at Sadler Wells Ballet School in London, England and with Preobenjinski, famed teacher in France and was named in Tammy Sutton's journal as a top ten teacher in tap. I choreographed two major ballets and thirty-four Broadway musicals for Dixon High School. I had dances published in the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists and earned my Dance Masters Degree in 1952. I was recognized by the Dance Masters Association for 52 years of outstanding teaching. Dixon recognized me as Dixon's Lady of Dance. It's not the recognition that made me happy but the excitement and confidence I brought to the students who danced with me. My husband and I loved working together to see eyes light up, hearts beat faster and see the pride in student's eyes in what they achieved. I treasure the time I have spent with my husband James, our family or four – Marci, Mike, Joni and Jamie. My love to Marie Bracciale, Becky, Zachary, Trevor, Rebecca and Cami Wiltz, to Ross and Eveyln Berkley, to my sister Julie Dale, Jen Gowers Skolnick, Kobi and Glory B Skolnick. Carry on and give all that you meet more than they expect. I leave this world with satisfaction and joy as well as a message – Keep a song in your heart, a smile on your lips and a beat in your feet. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 15, from 4-7 pm at St. Patrick's Church, Holloway Center in Dixon. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dixon on Saturday, October 16 at 10:30 am, with Rev. Thomas Doyle officiating. A luncheon and celebration will follow at the St. Patrick's Church Holloway Center. Memorials may be made to the James and Sharon Wiltz Music Scholarship fund at Dixon High School. Donations can be sent to Dixon High School, 300 Lincoln Statue Dr. Dixon, IL 61021. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. Online condolences can be left at www.thejonesfh.com

Sharon M. Wiltz

January 1, 1934 - September 19, 2021