Sharon Sue Cochran

May 13, 1951 – September 6, 2025

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Sharon S. Cochran, passed away peacefully at home on September 6, 2025, at the age of 74, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Sharon was born on May 13, 1951, in Española, New Mexico, to Orva J. and Helen (Pershall) Stewart. During her childhood, the family moved several times before settling in Wellton, Arizona, where she graduated from Antelope Union High School in 1969.

On October 16, 1970, Sharon married her high school sweetheart, Van R. Cochran. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and adventure. As a devoted stay-at-home mother, she raised their two children, Bryan and Robyn, in a warm and nurturing home. Later in life, Sharon worked for Gilbert Public Schools until her retirement in 2017. After nearly 30 years of marriage, she was preceded in death by Van, following his brief battle with cancer. Even in her final days, Sharon often said she “had the best” when speaking of him.

Sharon was truly the heart of her family. She loved to entertain and was known for her delicious cooking and baking. She found joy in the outdoors, travel, and, most of all, in being a grandmother to her only grandchild, Katie. Her kind heart, bright blue eyes, and radiant smile will be remembered by all who knew her. Sharon loved deeply and generously, and while dementia may have taken many of her memories, it never diminished her courage or her unwavering faith in God.

She is survived by her children, Bryan Cochran and Robyn Cole; her granddaughter, Katie Cochran; her siblings, Diana Powels, Kathy Nall, and Greg (Debbie) Stewart; and her siblings-in-law, Toni Niesen, Kathy Anderson, and John (Carolyn) Cochran. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Van R. Cochran; her brother, Doug Stewart; and her son-in-law, Oshane Cole.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at First Southern Baptist Church, 11711 William St, Wellton, AZ 85356. Burial will follow at Wellton Memorial Cemetery, 11651 William St, Wellton, AZ 85356.

Sharon’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.