Sharon Pearson, 76

Sharon Pearson, 76, succumbed to heart failure 11 weeks to the day after her husband, Don, died. Sharon was the first child of James and Therese Crumb and was born on Jan. 27, 1948, in Colorado Springs Colorado. As the family grew, she was joined by her brothers Larry, Kenny and Bill and a sister Nancy. She grew up in Colorado Springs on her grandfather's property which housed his Nob Hill Sale Barn business. Sharon attended Catholic school and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1966. As her senior year was quickly coming to an end, she made the decision to join the Navy immediately following her graduation and went to Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Great Lakes Illinois. 

While stationed in Seattle, she met Donald Pearson a Navy medic that had served in Vietnam. Their meeting changed the course of her life. She fell in love with him, married him and had their son, Chad, together. After being discharged, they moved to Colorado so Don could attend X-Ray school. When Don completed his courses the family moved to Whitefish, so he could work at North Valley Hospital. Sharon used her GI Bill to attend Flathead Valley Community College where she excelled in her studies. Sharon always worked, mainly in the medical field, both for animals and humans. She particularly loved working for Dr. Winkle and was employed by him until she retired. 

The family enjoyed snow and water skiing together, fishing and boating and when Chad played little league baseball, Sharon worked in the concession stand. Sharon and Don enjoyed traveling together, especially to Mexico, but also did a great deal of traveling on Don’s motorcycle. They loved horses and raised Spanish Arabians. At one point, they had 17 horses in their herd. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding. One of the best days of her life was the day she became a grandmother; she reveled in it and had so much fun with her two grandsons.

Being interested in history, she was fascinated by the story of the Conrad family in Flathead Valley. She studied everything written about the Conrads and ended up volunteering as a docent at the Conrad Mansion. This year, Sharon’s heart swelled with pride as her grandson followed in her footsteps as a tour guide at the Mansion. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of 54 years, Don. 

She leaves behind her son, Chad; and two grandsons, Cannon and Cade. She will be missed by her brothers, Larry Crumb (Phyl), Kenny Crumb, and Bill Crumb (Theresa); sister, Nancy Deegan (David); as well as other family members and Don’s family. She also had a large circle of friends who were like family to her who are mourning her loss. 

A memorial will begin at 3 p.m. on Aug. 2, at the Conrad Cemetery; immediately followed by a reception held on the grounds of her beloved Conrad Mansion.

Memorials in her name would be appreciated by The Conrad Mansion and The American Heart Association. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.