Sharla Janese Bilyeu was born on October 11, 1974, in Hugo, Oklahoma, to Phyllis (Faircloth) Salzwedel and Donald Salzwedel. She passed away on June 17, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Sharla married the love of her life, Royce Bilyeu, on May 31, 1992, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and together with their two children, Shawn and Dakota, they shared many years of love, laughter, and devotion.
She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Salzwedel; her uncle, Jim Dunn; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sharon Pope and Everett Leray Bilyeu; her grandmother, Lee Faircloth; and her beloved PaPa, J.D. Faircloth.
Sharla was a woman with a heart as big as her smile. She cherished spending time with her mother and aunts, especially on their many trips together. She loved the color pink and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Halloween was one of her favorite times of the year, and she delighted in dressing up as a clown and handing out candy to neighborhood children. Christmas brought her even greater happiness, especially when she could sit and wrap presents while watching A Christmas Story.
Her love for children was evident throughout her life. She opened her heart and home to many children in need, offering kindness, comfort, and encouragement. Sharla also had a deep love for music and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice.
Perhaps what people will remember most about Sharla was her infectious laughter and joyful spirit. Within moments of meeting her, she could have anyone smiling and laughing. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved, and her warmth touched countless lives. Those who knew her often said the world would be a better place if everyone were a little more like Sharla. Her father affectionately referred to her as ‘Odie’ because she was always happy and brought joy to those around her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Royce Bilyeu; her sons, Shawn Bilyeu, Dakota Bilyeu and wife Tara, Matt Irving, and Kevin Bilyeu and wife Jessica; her grandson, Landon Bilyeu; her mother, Phyllis Salzwedel; her sister, Anna Sexton and husband Jon; her aunts, Doris King and husband Art, Charlene Dunn, Kay Uhlich and husband Mark, and Jan Thornton and husband Larry; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.
You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com
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