Sharon A. Thorne
The first day of spring brings hope for warmer weather, budding trees, new flowers, robins and a hope for pleasant days. On this day a wonderful person left this earth to begin a similar journey of peace, tranquility, eternal rest and happiness, as her best friend held her hand, and kissed her goodbye.
Sharon A. Thorne, 64 of Billings passed away on March 20, 2011, following a lengthy illness. Sharon was born on February 14, 1947 in Bismarck, North Dakota, the daughter of Waldo and Aileen Carlson. She attended school in Bismarck, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1965. She started working at Provident Life there, also working at the North Dakota Legislature for 2 terms as a committee clerk.
On March 4, 1977 Sharon married Larry Thorne in Bismarck. This was the continuation of a childhood romance started on February 23, 1962. That was the day of Sharon and Larry’s first official date, they were 14 years old. They always celebrated that day along with the day they actually got married. They enjoyed telling the story of their life because it was so very special to them both.
Sharon and Larry lived in Williston, North Dakota for 10 years where they owned Thorne Jewelers. She also sold real estate for a few years there. In 1989 they moved to Billings where Sharon started working at Montana Dakota Utilities, where she continued to work until her retirement in 2006. When Larry retired in March 2010 they were able to spend a lot of time together and were on the go traveling. They left on February 10 for an extended vacation when she became very ill that day in Missoula.
Sharon was a very kind and loving lady. She would always greet you with a smile. Even when she was in pain and suffering, she would show a smile and be more worried about others than herself. She was a very active person and loved to golf, and enjoyed fishing and hunting with her family. Not many women would help set up the decoys and spend the morning in the cold duck blind with their husband. They loved to travel when she could and was always ready to go. She looked forward to their yearly Labor Day vacations to Meadow Lake in Columbia Falls, MT. It was her favorite place to go. They golfed, went into Glacier Park and enjoyed the relaxing time together. Last year their sons joined them for a week and all had a wonderful time. She also enjoyed going to the Billings Mustangs games early to enjoy a cheeseburger and a cold Chelata.
Sharon is survived by her husband Larry; sons Michael and Richard, all of Billings; her brother Dean Carlson; sister Janice (Harlo) Thon; sister-in-law Margo (Gary) Dietz; mother-in-law Marjorie Thorne, all of Bismarck; three grandchildren Skylar, Liam, and Anthony. She loved her three grandchildren and was able to spend last Christmas with them! She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Waldo and Aileen Carlson; and her sister Bonnie.
Sharon’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone at Billings Clinic ICU who have been so caring to her and her family during her many days spent there. There are some incredible people who work there and her family will always be thankful to all of them.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 26, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Burial will follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. The casket will be open for visitation on Thursday, Friday and prior to the service Saturday. The family will be present to receive friends at the mortuary on Friday from 6-8 p.m.
She will be missed by her family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to so many whose lives she touched in so many ways.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Larry and Family,
We are wintering in Florida and just heard about your loss. We are so
very sad to hear that Sharon lost her courageous battle, and we are
really glad that we were able to see her last summer when she seemed to
be doing much better. She truly was remarkable in spirit considering
everything she had to endure.
Dave and Cynthy Clausnitzer
Larry and family:
We were very sorry to hear that Sharon lost her battle that she
fought so valiantly for so many years. But we do know that although
she lost her earthly battle, she gained her angel wings. She was
truly an angel on earth, too, and we will always remember her smile
and her simple acts of kindness at all times.
Larry, let the Lord lift you up and hold you in these difficult
times ahead.
We are so thankful we got to spend some quality time with you guys
last summer. Take care.
Love
Alma and Wayne Lokken
Our sympathy to Sharon's family. My mother
was Johanna Carlson Zachmeier. My grandparents Anton and Johanna
Carlson.
Sharons Dad and my mother were cousins. We will keep you in our
prayers. God Bless
Laurie (Zachmeier) Willer and the entire family of Paul and Johanna
Zachmeier in Mandan
It is with sympathy Eddy and I reviewed Sharon’s passing via Internet while we are still in AZ for the winter. Last time we seen Sharon and you, Larry, this past summer, we remember how she enjoyed all her fellow employees at MDU. She was truly a very special lady with a smile for all. Sharon is in very good hands now with our Lord, however, she will be missed by her family and all her friends remaining behind. Most of all, it was obvious to everyone how devoted you were to one another. We’ll call you when we return home mid-April, Larry. Love you, Clara & Eddy
Larry and Family:
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you in your loss and my loss
of a dear friend. We had many good laughs and her radiant smile was
contagious. We will all miss her and look forward to seeing her
again someday. Goodbye Dear Classmate.
Marty and Lynette Pitzer
Larry and family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. When I worked with Sharon at
Provident Life she was one of the kindest persons I had ever met.
Although I attended high school with her, I never really got to know
her until I had the pleasure of having her train me when I
transferred into her department. We played softball together and
even downed a few beers at the local pubs a time or two. She was a
friend to everyone and I am sure she will be greatly missed by all.
I will plant a special perennial in my flower garden this Spring in
her memory.
Rosie Sprynczynatyk
I work for MDU in Bismarck, ND. In the course
of my work, I had occasion to call the Billings MDU office
periodically. It was always a bright spot in my day when I needed to
talk to Sharon. We always managed to share a little pleasant
conversation, and at least one laugh, before we got down to
business. Even though we never met face to face, I considered her a
friend. My prayers are with you all.
Sandy Bohe
Larry and Family ; We were on vacation in Florida, and were unaware of Sharon's passing until we arrived home. We want to send our deepest sympathy to you and your family's. Although we were classmates at BHS and my husband at ST.MCHS, we only knew each other somewhat. I wished we would have gotten to know her better, as she seemed to be an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother. May God bless you and give you his everlasting peace in the days to come, as I am certain Sharon is in his gracious tender, loving care. A memorial in Sharon's name will be given to our church, to either The Camp of the Cross or to our music fund. Sincerely, Arnold Kuntz and Doris (Lund) Kuntz