Sharon Arlene Keyes was born on October 3, 1937, in Mandan, ND, to Rudolph (R.C.) and Louise Harken. She grew up in Cartersville and Forsyth, MT. Sharon was the second born of seven children. During high school, she met Craig Keyes and they were married in Miles City, MT, on November 26, 1955. They recently celebrated their sixty-first anniversary.
She was the proud mother of three sons: Kelly, born in 1957, Mark, 1959, and Wade 1960. After following Craig’s employment for many years, the family lived in Colstrip where she managed the B&R and Burtco grocery stores. The family moved back to Hysham where she spent thirty-eight years as the scale house clerk, during the sugar beet harvest season.
Sharon enjoyed many artistic abilities including oil painting, flower arranging, and other crafts. Growing flowers was her passion. She spent countless hours attending to her beautiful and much admired yard.
She was active in her community serving on the Hysham City Council, the Hysham Garden Club, and as a member of the Treasure County Senior Citizens. Sharon also spent many years judging flowers at the Rosebud/Treasure County Fair.
Family was very important to Sharon and she loved her travels for family gatherings along with trips overseas. Her memory was incredible and she was considered the family historian.
Sharon and Craig became snowbirds in recent years, spending their winters in Gold Canyon, AZ where they met many wonderful friends. Sharon immediately became knowledgeable with all the desert plants, birds, and wildlife.
Sharon passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Rosebud County Healthcare Center on Wednesday, January 4th, 2017, after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer.
She is survived by her husband Craig; sons: Kelly (Deb) of Gold Canyon, AZ, Mark (Barb) of Laurel, MT, Wade (Eileen) of Hysham, MT; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings: James Harken, Grant Harken, Lynne Miller, and Dana Harken. Sharon was preceded in death by her mother Louise; father Rudolph; and sisters: Shirley and Lois.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all who helped care for Sharon during her illness, including the staff of the Arizona Oncology Network, the Frontier Cancer Center, and the Rosebud County Healthcare Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Yellowstone County Relay for Life.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday January 11, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday January 12, 2017
St. Joseph Catholic Church
206 Orchard St
Hysham, MT 59038
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Shawn Mitchell says
Craig and family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of Sharon. I am so glad I had the pleasure of calling her my dear friend for the past 5 years. I cherish the memories I have of her; like sitting under the trees at my house and her teaching me about the birds on the feeders; and the many times she brought me beautiful flowers out of her flower garden; or walking around her yard to admire her beautiful flowers. I will always remember her huge, kind heart and her strength. She was always so good to me. I loved her very much. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Shawn
Myrna and Omer says
Craig and family. We are so sad. Loved Sharon. She was so much fun and always felt so good to see her. We are praying for all of you and remembering the good times with both of you. Myrna and omer
Bill&DeniceHedges says
Craig and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Sharron’s passing. I am glad we got to know each other while we were both battling cancer. It helped both of us to talk about our treatments and give each other moral support. She was a great lady and grew greater flowers!! I have some of her flowers in my gardens and will think of her when I see them blooming! I am sure she is already tending the flower gardens in heaven! You are in our prayers..
Vonnie Becker says
Family of Sharon Keyes,
My thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you at this time. She was a brave and most courageous woman, always keeping a positive attitude, and her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
Craig and family,
We were saddened to hear of Sharon’ passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her and her great sense of humor. May the many wonderful memories you have of Sharon sustain you through the coming days. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
Craig and family,
We were saddened to hear of Sharon’ passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her and her wonderful sense of humor. May all the great memories you have of Sharon sustain you through the coming days. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Harken says
Craig and family,
I am very sad at the loss of Sharon. She was and is very special to me and was more like a sister than a sister in law. I am so thankful for all the memories I have with her, the trips to Europe, Victoria and the Tulip Fields. But I am most thankful for the time we all had as a family together in Chelan this past September. Sharon was well and we had a wonderful few days. That time was truly a gift. Thank you for letting me share her last hours with you. Our family won’t be the same without her.
Love,
Tammy
Diane Michalenko says
Craig and the Harken Family:
I am so very sad. Sharon was a wonderful person. She was the Shirley in every way that lived in my heart all these years. I loved Sharon’s voice, comments, mannerisms, ideas and love of life.
Rest In Peace dear lady. The Harken Family was twice blessed for sure.
After all these years, realize we have the same middle name, even spelled the same.
Diane and Dennis Michalenko
Dana Harken says
Craig and family,
I am very sad at the loss of Sharon. A wonderful sister, friend, and occasional substitute mother when we lost ours all to soon. I cherish the memories of our European travels and the relationship my girls had with you considering you their Harken family Grandma. I am so thankful we had the quality time together in September with the family. You will be truly missed.
Duane and Sue Allred says
Please accept our condolences for the loss of a friend. Sharon was always fun to talk to I didn’t need hearing aids.
We will miss her.
Dera Blanchard says
Craig & Family,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of an amazing lady. Sharon worked for me during Sugar Beet harvest from the beginning of my career in 1996 up until 2015. I always tried to deliver paychecks to the Hysham site last because I always knew I would be there at least 30 mins., she loved to chat. Sharon was a wonderful lady and will be truly missed.
Dera Blanchard
Prime Staffing
Tom and Robyn Ketchum says
Craig and family,
Was so sorry to hear about Sharon. Always enjoyed visiting with her when you came to the Sales yard. Many prayers for you at this time. Tom and Robyn Ketchum
Sheryl Ward Swanson says
The Keyes family was a part of my growing up – Anna Lou babysat us, and Sharon Jo was in Karen’s class at school. I have always enjoyed talking with Sharon at events in Hysham, and know that she is leaving a huge hole in her family and in the community.
I had hopes of getting to Hysham for the service on Thursday, but I’m nervous about the roads.
Blessings and strength to you all.
Pam says
I am thinking of you all at this time. There was never a time I remember that Sharon and Craig weren’t part of my life. They spent lots of time visiting with my Parents. My prayers are with you.
DeEtta (Maasch) Walker says
Uncle Craig and Family:
My thoughts and memories of Aunt Sharon go out to you today. She was a special lady and I always enjoyed talking with her about flowers and nature.
Love and prayers.
DeEtta
Michelle Filbert says
Uncle Craig and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I have wonderful memories of Aunt Sharon that I will always cherish. Hold onto the memories forever. Heaven has a great angel. We love and miss you all.
Love
Michelle and Kevin and RC
larry Steven Reinlasoder says
My sincere condolences to the Keyes family.
Brent and Marcia Harken says
Dear Craig and Family:
We are so sorry about Aunt Sharon’s passing. She was such a gem. Several years ago, she joyfully shared her recipe for Almond Roca with Marcia. Just prior to Christmas this year, Marcia had our granddaughter, Ellyssa, over to make cookies and candies with her. Ellyssa was delighted to learn how to make candy. Marcia let her know they would be making Aunt Sharon’s recipe for Almond Roca from Grandma Louise Harken. Marcia shared with Ellyssa about Sharon’s illness and prayed silently for her. She was a beautiful woman, and we are blessed to have known her! You are in our prayers. God bless you all, Brent and Marcia Harken