Sharon K. Hanson

Sharon was born July 28, 1939, on her family’s farm near Esbon, Kansas to parents Claus and Jessie Finch Lantis. Sharon’s upbringing was modest (her family home lacked indoor plumbing, electricity, or a phone), but, from an early age, her worldview was expansive. The first in her family to go to college, Sharon graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas, where she majored in accounting and minored in history. While in college, Sharon met John W. Hanson. The two were married on August 6, 1960, and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Sharon was a worker and a doer. She devoted her early married years to the care and development of their two children, Rita and John M., in Urbandale, Iowa. Those years were spent at musical presentations, athletic events, and various other school-related activities. While Sharon was characteristically reticent about discussing her own successes, she was proud to share her children’s (and grandchildren’s) accomplishments.

After the children were grown, Sharon and John relocated to Columbia, S.C., where they have made their home since 1987.

Sharon took advantage of her proximity to the University of South Carolina, returning to school to complete CPA qualification courses and passing the CPA exam in one testing.

Sharon spent 28 years as a respected employee of the Colonial Life Insurance Company, enjoying her friendships with colleagues and flourishing in her career as she supported Colonial Life’s mergers with Provident and UNUM. Many Colonial employees knew of Sharon’s expertise, and relied on her unequaled memory of corporate accounting and events. After retiring from Colonial/UNUM, Sharon continued to utilize her accounting background to provide record-keeping for non-profit firms.

Since their arrival in Columbia, Sharon and husband John have been active members of the Union United Methodist Church in Irmo. Sharon was a member of the Wilson Circle, the Fellowship Class, and the John Rowland Sunday School Class. She was also a recent member of Union’s Board of Trustees.

Sharon loved to read, square dance, and spend family time at the beach. Her laugh was infectious and her eyes sparkled brightest in the presence of her beloved grand and great-grandchildren. They were the joy of her later life and her greatest pride.

Sharon was predeceased by her parents and her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley Ann and Robert Lorence.

Surviving are her husband, John, her daughter Rita (John) Ousterhout of Palo Alto, CA, son John M. (Shannon) Hanson of Wilmington, DE; grandchildren Kay Ousterhout (Patrick Wendell), Amy Ousterhout (Daniel Grier), Ben (Abby) Hanson, and Jack Hanson; and great-grandchildren Henry, Andrew, and Peter Wendell.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church, 7582 Woodrow Street, Irmo, S.C. 29063, with visitation immediately prior to the service, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Union United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.