Sharon Provencher

My Sharon was born on a winter day in 1958, in Ohio, to Rod and Laura Funston (both of whom preceded her in death). She spent her childhood near the sunny beaches of Santa Maria, California, with her siblings Jeff, Sally, and Eric. She carried that coastal warmth and beauty with her throughout her life.

At Righetti High School, she formed a bond with her lifelong friend Nancy—a friendship that lasted over 50 years.

As a young single mother, Sharon’s strength and dedication were clear to everyone around her. She quickly rose to become the general manager of three Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises—and even met Colonel Sanders himself. That was Sharon—humble, hardworking, and unforgettable.

How We Met

She came to rent an apartment. I was the manager. She filled out the application, and—of course—I approved her on the spot.

A few weeks later, she passed me in the atrium and asked if I wanted to get dinner over the weekend. I stammered something about being busy. A friend nearby saved me: “No, he’s not.”

That moment changed everything.

I didn’t just meet the love of my life—I met the woman who would make my life whole.

A Life We Built Together

With Rod’s blessing, and on bended knee I proposed. Sharon said yes. We married on March 17, 1984, and set off together to Houston, Texas, following a job promotion. Sharon worked nights at Del Taco so I would be home with Jennifer. Later, as Jen started school, Sharon moved to days and became the manager. That’s when our first dogs, Houston and Tramp, joined the family. Tramp—always persistent—kept digging under the fence to be with us. Sharon adored him for that.

Though Texas was kind to us, Sharon missed her family in California, and I longed for the mountains. A job offer in Las Vegas promised we could return west after a year. That was in 1986.

We never left.

Las Vegas Becomes Home

In 1987, we welcomed our son Patrick, Sharon started caring for neighborhood children and loved every moment of it. When Pat started first grade, she became a full-time preschool teacher at Romp and Play in downtown Las Vegas—a job she cherished for 15 years.

Her friend and coworker Mary Ann recently said: “Sharon gave over 100%. She made every moment magical for the kids—from crafts and learning to birthday parties and park picnics. She had a heart for children and a gift for teaching.” Many of those children to this day still remember her with love.

The Heart of Our Family

Sharon was the heart and soul of our home. A devoted mother to Jennifer and Patrick. A proud grandmother to Jenner, Adrian, Brittany, Grant, and Nash. A joyful great-grandmother to Levi and Thomas.

She was especially proud of the man Patrick became—steadfast, hardworking, and kind—and she adored his wife Brittany. Watching the two of them build a loving home and raise their boys brought Sharon endless joy. She often said how lucky she felt to see such love, strength, and laughter in their family. It gave her comfort, pride, and a deep sense of peace knowing that the legacy of love she worked so hard to nurture was continuing on through them.

Sharon was an incredible cook, turning even the simplest meal into a celebration. She filled jars with homemade jams and pickles, hosted beautiful gatherings, and created traditions that will last generations.

She had a green thumb and a golden heart. Her garden bloomed with love. Her home was full of thriving plants, each one a small testament to her care and joy.

Our Adventures

We traveled together—from Florida’s coastlines to Montana’s peaks, from New England’s charm to our peaceful cabin in Utah. Off-roading, boating, RVing—we did it all. Last year we Sharon and I took a 7 day cruise around the islands of Hawaii culminating with a family reunion in Maui, it was one of our most treasured trips.

Sharon loved animals deeply. Over 41 years she cared for seven beloved dogs. At one time or another we had birds, turtles, rabbits, fish, and even a ferret. Rennie, the “Renegade”, a border collie who relentlessly pursued Sharon for 3 weeks at the motocross track, was something very special to her. No less loved, Jet and Snowy, her most recent companions, still watch the door waiting for her return.

A Life of Purpose

Together we remodeled five homes, Sharon was often at the end of a tape measure, on a ladder or sanding wood to be stained. We built several businesses together. Faced every challenge as a team. Sharon’s love, loyalty, and laughter filled every corner of our life.

She leaves behind a legacy in every grandchild’s smile, in every dog’s wagging tail, in every flower she nurtured. She leaves behind a husband who was—and is—forever in love with her.

Sharon, thank you for this beautiful life. You were my best friend, my heart, my soulmate.

I will love you always.

For Sharon

In memory of a life beautifully lived

You built a home with open hands,

Where laughter echoed, love would land.

A garden bloomed beneath your care,

With flowers bright and joy to spare.

You stirred your love into each meal,

Each jar of jam, each warm, shared feel.

The kitchen hummed with pots and pans,

With pickled dreams and well-laid plans.

You taught, you led, with gentle grace,

A calm, sure smile on your face.

To children small, you gave your best—

A steady voice, a warm-hearted rest.

You traveled far, but always near

To those you loved, you held most dear.

From desert trails to ocean air,

You brought your spirit everywhere.

And by your side, through thick and thin,

Stood Jim, your heart, your closest kin.

Together, homes were shaped and grown,

Each wall, each room, a love well-sown.

Now dogs still wait where silence grows,

In soft-eyed stares, the memory shows.

Jet and Snowy, faithful pair,

Still feel your warmth within the air.

You leave us not with empty space,

But full hearts shaped by your grace.

In every flower, every jar,

We see your light, wherever we are.

A visitation for Sharon will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Cheyenne, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129. A funeral will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129. A graveside will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Bunker's Memory Gardens, 7251 W Lone Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89129.

Sharon will be laid to rest in Bunkers Memory Garden Cemetery, 7251 W Lone Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89129-5907.