Sharon was born in Billings on February 21,1941 to Arne and Nora Stene. On November 19, 2020 our mom lost her courageous battle with dementia and lung cancer. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.
Sharon grew up in Huntley, Montana. She graduated from Huntley Project High School in 1959.
After graduating from High School, Sharon moved to Billings and began working at Midland bank. Later she worked for Norwest bank and Wells Fargo.
Sharon married Frank Sullivan on January 5, 1962. They had three children Craig, Kevin and Denise. Sharon and Frank later divorced.
After retiring from Wells Fargo, Sharon began working for Billings Public Schools as an aide in special needs and resource classrooms. Sharon was passionate about working with children. Especially those with special needs. This included her niece Renee, with whom she had a very special bond. She retired from Billings Public Schools in June of 2016.
Sharon was very proud of her three children. She was very active in our school and sporting events. She volunteered on PTA boards, and sat on the Rose Park Little League board for many years. She continued to support us throughout our adult lives and was always there to help when she could. Family was very important to our mom. She loved celebrating holidays and birthdays.
Sharon was blessed with six grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She never missed one of their school activities, sporting events, concerts or dance recitals until her health began to decline. Our mom was the grandkids biggest cheerleader. She also looked forward to hosting the annual Easter egg dyeing with the grandkids. Each grandchild would go home with a dozen eggs each.
Our mom became a great grandma to Harper on October 13, 2018 and Hudson on April 12 of this year. She loved looking at pictures and watching videos of her “greats”. They brought her so much joy!
Sharon is survived by her three children; Craig, Seattle, WA, Kevin (Kelly), Billings and Denise Schwarzkoph (Bill), Billings. Grandchildren; Karli (Jerred) Bies, Elli and Peyton Sullivan, Brian(Kayla), Maddy and Megan Schwarzkoph. Two great grandchildren, Harper Schwarzkoph and Hudson Bies. She is survived by her brother Earl (Karen) Stene, sister Mary Steinhauser and sister in law Cheryl Stene. Sharon is also survived by her special companion, Don Michael. Sharon has many nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly. She has been reunited in Heaven with her parents, brother, Ron Stene, niece Rene Stene and great nephew Devin Michaelis.
We would like to thank the staff at St John’s United for the compassionate care our mother received the past three years.
A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held in spring/summer 2021 when it is safe for all her family and friends to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Special Olympics, Special K Ranch or a charity of your choice.