Sharon Minson Linford

Her early childhood years were spent in the San Francisco East Bay and in rural Utah. In 1956, she married Robert (Bob) Linford and moved to Salt Lake City, where she completed her bachelor’s degree and briefly taught elementary school. Following the birth of their first child Lilli Ann, Sharon and Bob moved to Piedmont, California where first Robert and then Karen arrived to complete the family of five. Sharon was a full-time homemaker and mother who managed the busy schedules of three kids active in vocal/instrumental music and performance. She was also a terrific accompanist.

Following her divorce, Sharon and her youngest daughter Karen moved to Medford, where she enjoyed the slower pace of life. She then moved to a lovely property in Jacksonville, above a small creek, where she was able to finally live her dream of being in the country. Around this time she met Garold Hildreth, who became her close companion. They took many trips together to destinations both near and far, including Hawaii and Wales.

In 2000, Sharon pulled up stakes and moved to the far northern end of Spokane, where she found a house in a quiet suburb less than a mile from Robert, his wife Kathy, and their daughters Emily and Ellie. The 25 years in this house were the longest she ever lived in one place, and she made it a beautiful, comfortable and welcoming home. She grew a mostly wild garden, planted ornamental trees and shrubs, and listened to the geese flying overhead morning and evening. She enjoyed visits from her four grandchildren Kit, Emily, Ellie and Val, and from her out-of-state children Lilli Ann and Karen. As she aged and became less mobile, she delighted in the nature and travel programs she was able to watch on her HDTV. Those programs became a window onto a world that she could no longer visit in person. She loved her long phone conversations, too, especially with her beloved sister-in-law Beverly.

In recent years, Sharon experienced several serious health challenges that left her relying on others for transportation and assistance with appointments and groceries. Robert stepped up and shouldered all those responsibilities and more. Garold, who moved to Spokane to be closer to Sharon, was her dear companion and most frequent visitor. Their dedication and care enabled Sharon to live out her life at home.

Sharon spoke often of those family members who passed on ahead of her: her grandparents, aunts and uncles, her mother Lillian, father Roy, brother Buzz, and grandson Jesse. She also frequently reminisced about the pets she loved throughout her adult life.

While there is no immediate service, the family will meet this summer at the Oregon coast for a celebration of life. In the meantime, we encourage you to raise a glass to Sharon on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17.