Sharon Diane Toombs

Sharon Diane Nelson Toombs passed away on a stormy Sunday, October 16th, 2016, after a very tough 5 month battle with cancer. Sharon was born during a silver thaw on January 6, 1942 in Tillamook Oregon to Hazel Borba and Don Nelson. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Don, son Don “Randy” and his children Brandon (Meagan), Britni (partner Patrick), Josh and Chance, and daughter Teri (partner Perci). The light of her life was her great granddaughter Brooklyn.

Sharon was a devoted older sister who grew up on the Oregon coast and Portland and is survived by her sisters Linda (Bob), Sheila (Greg), Kathy and brothers Dave (Judy), Steve (Coletta) and Chris (Sue), in-laws Tom, Merry (Jerry), Susie (Greg), many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends who will all miss the heartfelt and loving advice that she shared over the years. She was pre-deceased by her parents and brother Andy.

As a teenager, Sharon settled in Parkrose where she married and raised her family. She was a genuine mother at heart and kids were naturally drawn to her. She began mothering her younger sisters when they were very little. After she was married she began babysitting up to 8 children daily from infants to grade school age. She would have little shoes lined up by the door, potty training 2 or 3 kids at the same time. She had lots of love for every one, all the while maintaining an immaculate home. She was a wonderful cook.

There were countless camping trips, boat races and motor home travels where many lifelong friendships began during their years as river rats on the Columbia River with her bleach-blonde beehive hairdo that remained immaculate, no matter the situation.

Sharon had a generosity of spirit that is rarely seen. She found strays and took them in. Even when she had very few material belongings, she took care of others. Over the years, many friends and family stayed awhile at the house on Wygant Street.

She worked at Rader Co. for many years where she honed her office skills. In 1969, Sharon and Don bought a dump truck and started what would grow into a thriving company - Toombs Sand & Gravel. Sharon was central to this success and highly respected for her business acumen. Sharon and Don retired and sold the business in 2001. In 2003 they moved to Crooked River Ranch, where they built a beautiful home. They were snowbirds with a second home in Surprise, Arizona. She enjoyed golf, mahjong and happy hour get-togethers with old and new friends. She loved cruises and traveled the world.

Sharon loved a game of any kind whether it was sitting around the dining room table beating us all at Yahtzee, Scrabble, or cards, or trips to Reno and Vegas. She played in the same Bunco group for over 35 years and was on a bowling league. She was a natural athlete who could play a decent game of golf with very little practice or warm up. She loved dogs, Lifetime movies, reality shows and buttered popcorn. She was the best listener and always knew just what to say. She could comfort with the touch of her hand. She spoke volumes without saying a word. Sharon will be remembered for her intelligence, sharp wit, determination, grit, and devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed.

Service is at 11 am on Friday, October 21, 2016, at The Madeleine Parish, 3123 NE 24th Portland, OR 97212. Arrangements by Zeller Chapel of the Roses. Donations to American Cancer Society.