Stella Sharp, 96

Stella Alice Bjornrud Sharp, 96, passed away on Oct. 13, 2023, in Libby, Montana. She was born to Roy and Eda (Harness) Bjornrud in Whitefish, on May 27, 1927.

During her early years, Stella enjoyed a rural life in Fortine, where she made many long-lasting friendships while attending grade school. She then graduated from high school in Eureka in 1945. Shortly after, she moved to Spokane with her friend Mary Lou Holcomb, where she worked as a teletype operator at the Fairchild Air Base. Working on the base left a lasting impression on her, and she remained a very patriotic supporter of the Armed Services. At the end of WWII, she was the operator chosen to send the teletype announcing the end of the war. A section of that teletype was one of her treasured mementos.

She returned home to her family, where she was introduced to a young soldier and his father, who had been invited to share Christmas dinner. His name was Donald Sharp, and he would later become her husband and Harvey Sharp, her father-in-law. The young couple settled on a homestead on Deep Creek Road to start their family. At some point, the wanderlust took the young family, and 2 of their best friends, Dave and Aubyn Ann Curtis to Fairbanks, Alaska.

Although she enjoyed her new adventure, it would not become her forever home, and the family returned to Fortine. The family continued to grow until they had seven children, Jim, Dick, Darrel, Donna, David, Dan, and Deena.

The family later moved to Libby, in the 70’s where after years of being a logger, took their toll on Donald. Don passed away in 1981. Stella turned to the workforce where she was valued for her hard work and ethics. Later, she also began working at 4Bs and remained a steady employee well past retirement age when the restaurant closed. She always said that working was what kept her going.

She always enjoyed community service and throughout her life had participated as a 4-H leader for many years, as well as making blankets and other items for donations to those in need. She devoted her time to the VFW Axillary and became a frequent volunteer serving food, attending events, serving with the Honor Guard, and marching in parades until the age of 93, when she could no longer make the march.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Sharp; sons, Dick and David Sharp; her parents, Roy and Eda Bjornrud; siblings, Rose Bjornrud Osler, Roy Bjornrud, Ronald Curtis, Bob Curtis, Patricia Curtis, and Raymond Curtis.

She is survived by the families of Jim Sharp, Darrel Sharp, Donna Corea, Dan Sharp and Deena Jellesed.

She leaves a legacy of many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made in her name to the Wounded Warrior Project; https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/in-memory-of-Stella-Sharp.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Fri. Oct. 27, at the Libby Memorial Center. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat. Oct. 28, at the Fortine Cemetery. There will be a potluck to follow. Arrangements were under the care of the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Memorials and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.