Staff

Dan Skivolocke began his career in funeral service when he accepted a position here at the Sharer Funeral Home in 1971. He has been employed with the funeral home ever since. He received his Embalmer and Funeral Director’s license in 1979 after completing his education from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Kent State University, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, where he served as class treasurer.

In 1986, he purchased Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home, and has been the sole owner since then. Mr. Skivolocke is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and the Ohio Embalmers Association.

He is a Past President of District 16 of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and currently is serving on their Board of Directors. He has also served several years as their Secretary/Treasurer.

Dan is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He is a member of their Board of Directors of St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. He was a Past President of the Cemetery Board & also a former member of Parish Council. He is also a 25 plus year member of the 3rd and 4th Degrees of the Knights of Columbus, Council #558.

He devotes much of his spare time to many civic and community service organizations, including the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce and has served as a member of their Board of Directors. Dan is also a member of the Alliance Country Club and the Alliance Kiwanis Club, where he was a 2015 recipient of the Walter Zeller Fellowship Award. Dan is also a Life Member of the Alliance Historical Society and the Mabel Hartzell Historical House and has served as a member of their Board of Directors. Dan often presents programs on the history of Alliance to many area clubs and organizations.

Bill has been an associate of the funeral home since 1986. He is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.

He is a 1989 graduate of Marlington High School in Alliance and graduated from Kent State University Suma Cum Laude with a BA degree in Accounting in 1994. He is a 1995 graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and was the recipient of their “Memorial Award,” an award given by fellow classmates to the student, who through qualities of leadership, professional conduct and good citizenship, best typifies their ideals. In 1996, he received his state license to practice funeral directing and embalming.

He is a member of the Alliance Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and the Ohio Embalmers Association. Bill is also a member of the Alliance Lions Club and of the Christian Home Educators of Ohio.

Bill is a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Louisville. He serves on the Church Advisory Board. He also has been a Minister of Music and Youth Minister. He is a member of “Honor Bound,” the men’s organization within his church, and was the recipient of the organization’s 2003 “Man of the Year” award.

Bill and his wife Kristi have three daughters, Hannah, Rebekah and Sarah, and three sons, William, Jacob and Luke.

Ashlynn joined our staff in 2025. She is a graduate of Kent State University and has an extensive background in pet toy design. Several of her creations have been featured in publications such as Martha Stewart Living, County Living, and Reader’s Digest.
Outside of work she enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with her loved ones and animals.
She is the daughter of Richard and Tracy Brink and has three brothers, Teddy, Benjamin, and Tristen.

Joanne had joined our staff in 1991.
Born & raised in Alliance, she is a graduate of Alliance High School and received further education from Bowling Green State University and the American Institute for Paralegal Studies.
She is a member of Christ United Methodist Church and serves on their Lay Leadership Committee.
Joanne is a member of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce Women's Division and also the Alliance YWCA. She was formerly a member of the Board of Directors with the Carnation City Festival and was the Chairperson of the Fashion Show and Luncheon and Co-Chaired the Queen's Pageant.
She enjoys reading, dancing, fitness and spending time with her family which includes her children; Jason (Kendra) Springer, Joseph (Brienne) Springer and Jonathan (Amber) Springer, as well as her grandchildren; Dominic, David, Alayna and Drea Mari Springer.

Jacob joined our staff in 2017 and assists with all general duties around the funeral home.
He is a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Louisville, Ohio. He enjoys acting, anime, singing and gaming.
He is the son of Kristi and William A. Gross and is a sibling to William, Hanna, Rebekah, Sarah and Luke.