Sharon L. Burghduff, 60

Sharon L. Burghduff, 60, "went to be with her Lord" on Saturday, May 17, 2008, with her family by her side.

Sharon was born to Jake and Dorothy Nelson on Sept. 14, 1947. She lived her childhood in Columbia Falls. She graduated from high school, then attended beauty school.

She married George Johnsrud in September 1967. Two children were born out of that union, Raymond and Jason. They later divorced. She married Jerry Burghduff on Sept. 12, 1980. They were married until his passing in 2004.

For years, Sharon worked as a waitress at Mountain Shadows and Pines Caf/ until she started doing hair again. Sharon had a beauty shop in her basement, A Cut Above, for 21 years. She quit doing hair in 2004 because of her health.

She loved to go camping and fishing with Jerry, her family, and her dogs, Brandy and Buffy. She loved the outdoors and the mountains.

Sharon was an awesome cook. She always had a meal and dessert ready. Everything was made from scratch. Her coldwater buns were the best! She loved family get-togethers and holidays, just so she could cook.

Sharon enjoyed doing ceramics, and working in her flower beds and the garden at her apartment.

She loved her grandkids, Bailee Johnsrud, and Cody and Casey Burghduff. She enjoyed spending time with them. Little Bailee was a very bright spot in her life.

In the past few years, Sharon had accepted the Lord into her life. She was baptized into the Assembly of God Church.

Sharon is survived by her son, Jason Johnsrud, and granddaughter, Bailee; Deb Winter; Duane and Tammy Burghduff, and grandsons, Cody and Casey Burghduff; her mother, Dorothy Nelson, of Kalispell; her sister, Jackie, and husband, Don, of Michigan; her sister, Jill Nelson, of Whitefish; her brother, Gary Nelson, and friend, Jeff Drummond, of Whitefish; and her life-long friend, Bonnie Long. She also had lots of special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, who have helped to brighten her days and helped with her care towards the end of her life. She also leaves behind her special dog, Mandy.

She will be missed by everyone.

Cremation has taken place. A service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 23, at the Assembly of God Church in Columbia Falls. At Sharon's request, donations may be sent to the American Lung Association, 825 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59601.

Arrangements are with Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.