Sharon Manning, 71

Sharon Elizabeth Manning, 71, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, great-grandmother and a big sister, passed away on April 25, 2024, at her home with her husband and best friend, Steve by her side in Dayton. 

She was born Feb. 8, 1953, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to John Raymond Huckins and Betty Mae (Lorenzen) Huckins. 

Being raised in the Air Force, Sharon and her family were stationed in many states. Upon her father's retirement at the Lakeside Air Force base, her parents purchased a home in Marco Bay on Flathead Lake. 

In her teens Sharon and her sister, Pam worked summers at the Little Red School House in Lakeside. Sharon was a mentor for all, always watching over and caring for her younger siblings.

She attended Lakeside Elementary and graduated from Flathead High where she met her soon to be life partner and love of her life, Steve Manning.  

Before school they delivered donuts from Todd's Bakery to save money and begin their life together. Sharon also attended beauty school in Kalispell and became a hairdresser. 

Sharon and Steve were married on Sept. 2, 1972. Steve had purchased acreage on the Swan River at an early age. There they built the first of many beautiful homes in Bigfork. They were soon blessed with a daughter, Jacey Manning and a year later their son, Trey Manning was born. Years later they moved to Helmville. 

They returned to the Flathead and built their retirement home overlooking Flathead Lake in Dayton. 

Sharon was a gardening guru and everyone's advisor on gardening hints and tips. If you ever had a question the response was, call Sharon! She took huge pride in her garden and always produced bounties of vegetables to can and freeze for the winter.  

Sharon took on every challenge head on with determination. 

When it was time to relax, she worked in her flower beds and loved to watch the wildlife that came through their property, aside from the marmots, that would raid her garden and give her a thumbs up!

She was very artistic and talented at crafting, and successful at selling her items online and giving them as cherished gifts to friends and family.

We will always remember her feisty, fun and humorous sarcasm. She always kept us on our toes!  

Sharon has finished this chapter and has moved on to the next, joining her son, Trey Manning; her mother, Betty Lorenzen Polledo; her father, John Huckins; and countless other loved ones. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Steve Manning; daughter, Jacey Manning; grandchildren, Janeigh Lowry (Cody), Bobby Lowry, Dalton and Connor Manning; great-grandchild, Wren Lowry; siblings, Pam James (Mel), John Huckins (Lisa), Terri Davis (John), and Casey Huckins (Jill); numerous nieces, and nephews.

We are all going to miss you Sharon! 

At Sharon's request there will be no service held. Darlington Funeral home is caring for the family.