Sharon Ann (Hansen) Rumley, 78

Sharon Ann (Hansen) Rumley, 78, passed away on Sept. 24, after complications from rheumatoid arthritis and pneumonia with her beloved daughter and son, Jennifer and Dave, by her side.

Sharon was born Oct. 11, 1944, to Harry and Yvonne Hansen of Kalispell. Sharon was a member of the 1962 graduating class of Flathead High School. After attending Concordia College, she married Owen Asa Rumley III of Somers and had two children. With Owen being in the Navy, they lived in California, Connecticut, Virginia, and South Carolina, before returning to Kalispell in 1972. Sharon worked as a bank secretary and for her parents’ electrical business, Electric Motors, Inc. until she and the kids moved to Spokane, Washington, in 1984. During her time in Spokane, Sharon fulfilled her dream of becoming a travel agent. She was passionate about traveling and often included family members in her worldly travels.

Sharon’s joy in life was her family. She was able to be with all of her grandchildren as they grew and loved being included in their families’ lives, first, with Jennifer’s family in Spokane, Washington, and then with David’s family in Arroyo Grande, California. She was always drawn to the ocean and enjoyed many walks along the Pacific beaches near her home, where she was diligent about cleaning up “her” beach while collecting shells. She was an avid gardener and awoke to the joyful songs of the numerous birds visiting the succulents and flowers in the gardens that she created. She loved children, baking, and entertaining, loved to laugh, and was active in supporting social causes for the environment and for people in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Yvonne and Harry Hansen of Kalispell.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Dave Christenson of Spokane, Washington; her son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Linda Rumley of Arroyo Grande, California; her much-adored grandchildren, Eli and Emily Christenson and Harrison and Oliver Rumley; her sisters, Linda Hansen of Olympia, Washington; and Carol Morlock (Chris Morlock) of Spokane, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, as well as many friends, especially her Flathead High School group of girlfriends. All will miss her cheerful, caring, and gentle nature dearly. Our forever "sweetie pie."

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be planned for Summer 2024 as her wish was a party in her honor in her daughter’s garden.

Donations may be made in Sharon’s name to the Arthritis Foundation, as she battled rheumatoid arthritis for over half her life.