Sharon Jeane Francis Dinstel left us too soon. She passed away on June 19, 2020. Sharon was born November 21st, 1951 in St Louis, Missouri. She lived in Florissant, Missouri until she left for college and graduated from Truman State with her master’s degree in Speech Pathology with a minor in Dance. Sharon’s career and her love for skiing brought her to Billings, Montana. While there she met the love of her life and married Delbert Dinstel on September 23rd, 1978.
During the beginning of their marriage, they lived in Wheatland Wyoming, Sitka Alaska, Miles City Montana, and Alzada Montana until they moved to Colstrip, Montana in 1982. Sharon worked for the Colstrip School district until she became an independent contractor. Sharon worked to improve the lives of many children throughout Eastern Montana. She committed the bulk of her career to working with youngsters from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and other rural communities. She was passionate about working with special needs children and found great joy in helping them communicate more clearly. Sharon took great pride in serving on the Montana State Board of speech pathology and audiology for 10 years, being appointed by Governor Schweitzer and reappointed by Governor Bullock.
In college, her friends nicknamed her the “talky-ologist” and if you ever met her you would understand why! Having never met a stranger, Sharon seized every opportunity to make new friends and laughter was the proof. Laughter was loud and often. Sharon gave and got love from her friends, family, and work. It was that love that she used to beat cancer, asthma and surgeries. Her love was a magnet! Sharon’s love pulled friends to her and she held them close.
Sharon greatest joys in life were spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved to spoil her six grandchildren. Sharon was passionate about politics and dedicated a lot of her time volunteering on many campaigns. When Sharon heard music, she never missed the chance to dance. Sharon loved to create art and enjoyed sharing her creations with her loved ones.
Sharon was preceded in death by her Father Nicholas Francis, Mother Marian Francis, and other family members. Sharon was survived by her husband Delbert Dinstel of 41 years, eldest daughter Synda Savage her husband Josh Savage and their 5 Children, Braden, James, Madison, Saige, and Hope. Youngest Daughter Alison Gutshall and her husband Nicholas Gutshall and their daughter Lillian. Her brother Nick Francis and wife Jan, their son Randy and wife Roxanne.
The celebration of Sharon’s life will take place on June 25th, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at CPRD Rye Park in Colstrip Montana and lunch will be provided after. COVID-19 distancing guidelines is encouraged.
In Lieu of flowers, her family is requesting donations to Chief Dull Knife College and/or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Please make checks out to Chief Dull Knife College and on the memo line please write, “In Memory of Sharon Dinstel Scholarship Fund.”
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Duane and Sue Allred says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Del and the family.
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
Del, Synda, Ali and families
Sharon was such a good friend. She will be missed so much. Enjoyed our times together. We had many road trips together. Serious talks, sad times, fun times and lots of laughs. Family was so important to Sharon. Love all of you. Love, Hugs and Prayers!
LaNada Peppers says
Sharon was a kind and sweet person. I was so happy to have known her. Our deepest condolences to her family.
Saige says
I’m going to miss my last gramma. Now I don’t have any left, but she is still with me I feel. I have her and Marian’s old Buick and I feel both of them whenever I’m driving.
John Scheuering says
Sharon was a kind and thoughtful person. Such a loss.
Elizabeth M. Fisher says
Oh Sharon….MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
PRAYERS & HUGS FOR DELL & ALLIE.
SHARON TAUGHT ME ALOT ABOUT HELPING THE LITTLE KIDDOS WITH SPEECH THERAPY AND WITH THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD WHILE I WAS A TEACHER AT NORTHERN CHEYENNE HEADSTART.
Fly High Lady! Gonna Miss seeing & talking to You.
Rachel Ferguson says
Ali and Family,
I am so sad that Sharon is gone. She was such a good friend to me and my mom and family. I loved her energy and laughter. It’s hard to think that she is gone now. I have many good memories of her. Mark, Vanessa, Peter, Renée and my parents send their condolences.
Thank you, Sharon, for loving me and always welcoming me into your home and family. You are so missed. I will see you someday again and it will be a sweet reunion.
Love,
Rachel
Pete and Pam Simonich says
Sharon was taken to soon! One fine gem of a lady who made everyone feel special. We will always remember the holiday dinners and neighborhood gatherings on Browning Drive. Her love and care of her family was important to her. Del, Ali, Synda & families we hold you in our thought and prayers.
Shelly Wayne says
Ali and Family- I am so very sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. She was always such a kind soul to me; even when I arrived a young stranger to Colstrip. Her words were always encouraging; her smile always bright. I will always hold her memory as one of a genuinely beautiful soul. Blessings and hugs to you all.
SHELLY HOLUM says
Prayers to all of Sharon’s family
Doug Oxford says
Sharon was a very good friend. She was a dedicated educator and an inspiration to many! Sharon was a kind person and always had a smile for everybody. My condolences to Del,Ali and Cuba’s.
Nancy Franklin says
Del, Synda, Ali and families, Such a shock to hear of Sharon’s passing. My heart hurts so for all of you…We go way back when our girls were little, so many fond memories! We shared a lot about our lives and she offered advice for our son with special needs on many occasions. She will be so missed by all who knew her. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers, she lives on in our hearts. Love Nancy Franklin and family
Dennis and Louise Davenport says
Shocked and saddened. Sharon and I used to crack each other up all the time and I miss our conversations and working on shows, and a grant for SHAC. She was a friend and there will always be a hole she used to fill. We are so sorry and lift all of you up for comfort and healing. Love you all.
Vania says
Sad to hear of her passing. Sharon was one of the first to work with my son at Little Cheyenne. I had the privilege to care for her mother years later. She will be missed.
Linda Gibson-Hiebert says
My sincere sympathies to Del and the girl’s
So sad to have lost another sweet friend.
Love, prayers for all family and friends.
Linda Gibson-Hiebert
Debbi Dove says
So sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. She touched many lives. Peace and comfort to those she leaves behind.
Clarence & Nona Schaff says
So sorry to hear this. Lord Jesus minister your peace n strength to her family. Praying for yous.
Gail Beckham says
Del and Family:
I cannot tell you how saddened I am for your loss. My love, thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Amber and Gary Ramsey says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Sharon was such a wonderful soul!!
Dr. Brooke and Robbie Gondara says
Our family has no words Del, Ali, Synda and family. You’ve been our dearest friends forever. Destinee said “we just talked about a beer when this thing is more safe. And who else are me Des and I gonna run into at Planned Parenthood fundraisers in Billings?!”
All our love to you right now. We miss her so much.
Dr. Brooke and Robbie Gondara says
Our family has no words Del, Ali, Synda and family. You’ve been our dearest friends forever. Destinee said “we just talked about a beer when this thing is more safe. And who else are Kendra and I gonna run into at Planned Parenthood fundraisers in Billings?!”
All our love to you right now. We miss her so much.
Ray and Twila Loveridge says
Sharon was a delightful person that I bonded with over conversations about education, parenting, faith, life. Sharon’s beautiful soul and graceful heart touched so many, including our family. Del, Synda and Ali, may God hold you gently.
Ed Joiner says
Sad to see. Sharon was such an upbeat positive person it was shocking to see. Prayers to all her family and friends.
Jan Hartmann says
Del, Sunday and Ali sorry about your loss! Sharon left entirely too soon! Prayers to all!
Pam Smith says
So sad to hear of Sharon’s passing. May Gods grace be with you all and bring you peace and comfort.
Mariah Maxwell says
Del, Ali, and Synda,
I am shocked and saddened to hear of your loss of Sharon. She was an amazing, caring and dedicated educator and wonderful advocate for her profession. She loved her family so much and often shared stories with us at work. She made us feel like we knew you all. She will be missed. Her knowledge and caring, loving attitude for the students of the reservation will live on in those who she advocated for and worked with. My deepest Condolences to you and your family.
Les & Nancy Brennan says
Del, Synda, Ali and Families, Les and I were so shocked to hear the news about Sharon. She was such a kind and upbeat person. I always enjoyed our conversations and laughter as well as more serious chats. We will miss her and we wish you all strength and wonderful memories. You are all in our prayers!
Janie spang says
Sending Prayers and Condolences to the the family of Sharon. From me and my family. I Worked with her in Lame Deer . She was a very caring and friendly lady. She will be missed by everyone who knew her .
Nancy Elliott says
So surprised to hear of Sharon’s passing. We worked together in Lame Deer doing special clinics [DAC[ for several years.I have often thought of her and our times together.Nancy Elliott
Tara Derenburger says
Del and family,
We are shocked by Sharon’s passing. Sharon was such a kind and sincere person. She was one of the first people to greet us when we moved to Colstrip. She always would keep in touch through the years and keep track of our children. She will be missed by many. All of you are in our prayers.
The Derenburger Family
Ryan Parker says
In 1987, I was a shy first grader sitting in the Pine Butte Elementary library in Colstrip, Mt when Mrs. Dinstel first introduced herself to me. She worked closely with me every week for the next four years as she helped me to improve my articulation. I remember a time when I got so frustrated I ended up tears because I wasn’t progressing. Mrs. Dinstel reassured me by reminding me to be gentle with myself as it would take time. She helped so many children over the years, and I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her encouragement and support in my most formative years. Thank you, Mrs. Dinstel.
Sue Parker says
Everyone responded to Sharon’s caring and genuine nature and her kindness. We were friends for 35 years,
Alaina Buffalo Spirit says
I had the pleasure of working with Sharon when she was the Speech Therapist in Northern Cheyenne country ~ I have wonderful memories of her gentle, kind ways~ my deepest condolences to her family 💔
Ann Kramer says
This is a hard pill to swallow. I am heartbroken that this “new norm” took away precious time with your loved ones. I will always remember you as the most friendly, chatty, social butterfly that you were. You were always interested in how others were doing and had a way of making everyone feel loved and important. I know your spirit lives on through the people you love. I get glimpses of you every time I see Ali and Lily.
Dinny and Cindy Bennett says
Del, Ali, Synda and family we are sad to hear of Sharon’s passing. She was a genuine person who cared deeply for her family and the children she taught. Sharon will be missed. God Bless.
Debi Benson says
Sharon was a bright spot in my life. I will always remember how good she made me feel and the joy she brought into my life. She loved my children and they loved her, especially Zach.
Love you always Sharon!
Patti Means says
I am so sorry to hear of Sharon death. I got to know her when she taught classes at CDKC. I can still remember her laugh and the stories she would tell. She was always talking about her family.
Steve and Ginger Roll says
Even the indomitable fall. Such a compassionate heart. Filled with passion and perseverance. Love to all the family and friends that will feel Sharon’s absence every day.
Ken and Susan Acton says
Del and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Sharon’s untimely death. Sharon was always cheerful and fun to visit with. I had a nice chat with her in Billings at the Christmas market this past year. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
Dan and Deb Baluka says
Del and Family, long ago neighbors. We continued to run into you and Sharon at events, restaurants, yard sales and town gatherings. We will miss that. Also the politics conversations. Sad and surprised, our very best to all.
Mike Scott says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Del and family. I had a long talk with Sharon just a couple days before, this came as quite a shock to me. She loved you all so much. Hopefully I’ll see you soon, take care.
Judy wendt says
So sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing! She was a good friend, and such a positive person…even in adversity!
Elaine Schieffer says
I am so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. We worked together in the Miles City schools. She was such a talented speech-language resource person for my kindergarteners and I was very sad to see her move. To my great pleasure, our paths crossed a few times over the years. I have thought of her often. She surely left many great memories that you will someday look back on with smiles. Blessings to all her family.
Stella Ortega says
I met Sharon thru my sister in law Brenda Timber who was always with her.Driving with her to go visit her mom.Sharon was a lovely lady.My Condolences to Del and the entire Family.
Ivan and Janet Whiteaker says
We were so saddened to learn of Sharon’s passing. She conquered over so much adversity, so sorry for your loss.
Shereika Lovelace says
I have amazing childhood memories that I connect to my friendship with Sharon and Synda. Synda and I would play barbies on the porch, we would “ground” ourselves before getting on an Apple computer to play number munchers or Oregon Trail! I remember babysitting Ali and watching videos! I went to my first concert with Sharon and Synda to see The Beach Boys! So many fond memories that immediately bring a smile to my face! Sharon, you have always supported me and my dreams. I will forever hold a spot for you in my heart. I will miss you.
John and Alicia O’Toole says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time. Sharon was a very kind and compassionate friend whom I enjoyed working with throughout many years. She always had great advice and always had a smile to share. She will be missed.
John and Michelle Jutila says
Sharing was always smiling! Her family is in our hearts and prayers.
Bo & Gary Lyon says
Del, Synda, Ali & the whole family…we are so sorry for your loss. Sharon was a special lady & friend and we had so many things in common. I will truly miss our conversations and getting together with the group of ladies. We had a comradeship with the same beliefs so it was so easy to have a conversation & I will miss the connection we had. My heart is breaking for all of you but I know God has another angel. Our last conversation was about our mutual worry of catching COVID-19. Also, when would be able to get together again for lunch at June’s. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. God’s Blessings. RIP: Sharon
Dawn Shy says
Sharon and I spent so much time together in the Head Start classrooms on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. She loved the kids and I remember her singing and dancing and making the kids laugh. We spent many evenings or lunches at June’s talking about how we could make things better and just laughing a lot. I will miss her so much. Love to all of her family!
Pam Rogge says
My thoughts and prayers are with Sharon’s family at this time and in the days ahead.
Tracee Raymond says
Del & family,
I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of Sharon. She was such a wonderful woman however you all already know that. I know that she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Sending hugs and prayers to all!
Donna McCulloch says
Sharon was simply an amazing person, she loved her family, loved her students, and she loved to talk. She always offered words of encouragement to me when I was going to school. She is gone way to soon, I always remember hearing ..
it may not be our time but it was God’s time. Del, Synda, and Ali May your awesome memories of Sharon help you through these difficult days.
John Cupit says
I was very saddened to learn of Sharon’s passing. I really enjoyed working with Sharon when I taught in Colstrip. She was a very classy person and she was great with the students and all of us that worked with her.
Pat and Bill Medved says
Always a teacher Sharon. As I read through the comments she continues to teach us. She is teaching us how to live and how to love and how to laugh. How to be kind and how to treat others. Sometimes it takes an event like this to wake us up. We are never too old to learn. Thank you Sharon for being such a good person and always a teacher. You will be missed.
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Del, Ali, Synda & families, this is all so hard for us who were her friends and that much more for you, her family. Sharon was always a light to all. She was upbeat, open, pleasant, and always ready to pitch in and help. She was Ethan’s first speech path and came to our house for months to provide therapy. Her laughter and generous nature will be missed.
Kristy and Brian Torgerson says
Many prayers to the family and dear friends!
Monica Rowland says
My Dear Friend My heart breaks
Every time I seen you or you seen me and my family you always said just what I needed to hear you made my day❤️ I am going to miss those blessed encounters God gave us❤️ Give my Romeo a big hug you were always there for me when I was going through a tuff time💜 I Love you I can see you with your Beautiful Angel Wings❤️
Love and Prayers to your beautiful Family❤️🙏
Sharon Wetsch says
I was so sorry to see that Sharon passed away. She was always smiley and never met a stranger. The Dear Lord needed another Angel.. RIP
Elsie Schye says
So sorry for your loss. Sharon was a wonderful person and respected by so many.
Kathleen Beartusk says
I was so shocked to hear that Sharon left us for a far better place. Her love of friends and family knew no bounds. I am truly, truly saddened. I loved and respected her passion for life and how she genuinely connected with people of all ages. May her family be comforted with the knowledge of how many people loved her.
Ann Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences & Prayers to Sharon Dinstel Family. Thank you for your sincere services to the children Sharon. A few of my Children were her students & she was very much appreciated and respected.
Bailey and Esther egan says
Del and family Bailey and I were so sorry to hear about Sharon we got to know her through the Colstrip pilots we would meet once a month and have a meeting and cook out always enjoyed the visit and time spent with Del and Sharon.
Mark Fix says
So sorry to hear about Sharon. Del we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jane Smith says
Synda, Ali, and Del so very sorry to hear about Sharon……….but know there is a great rejoicing happening in Heaven. Prayers for you all.
Ken Stokes says
Del, Synda, and Allison. So sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. Sharon was a big part of our lives for years, while she was helping my boy Kenny overcome his speech problems. Her kindness will never be forgotten. I’m sure she’ll be talking in Heaven with my Jeane getting caught up on things. My God bring you peace during this sad time.
Mary Dillon says
My sincerest sympathy to all the family. She was such a nice person and I enjoyed our visits when I was at Dull Knife and in Colstrip. May you find comfort knowing that we will see our loved ones again Im so sorry. Mary Dillon
Marie Scoville says
My sincerest sympathy to the Dinstel family in your loss.
Marieg Scoville says
My sincerest sympathy to the Dinstel family in your loss.
Alison Peterson says
Oh, Sharon. Thank you for welcoming a young SLP to Colstrip. We bonded over our love of all things speech and I always appreciated your advice. Thank you for making an impact on so many lives!
Irene and Ken Nelson says
Del, Synda, Ali and grandkids, we loved Sharon from the moment we met her. She loved life and put the good in having a good day. She was an excellent teacher for students and staff. I shared many students with Sharon and we’d brainstorm ways to help or do projects together. She loved helping parents and her Headstart children. She taught many non dancers to dance in Coal and Cattle plays. She could teach uncoordinated, 2 left feet dancers to Broadway bound. Sharon was passionate about her values and beliefs. I know many will miss the support she gave during campaigns. We had the best time at Red Ants Pants Festival last year. Thankful for that memory. Wish we had more time as neighbors. Sharon’s love blessed many and may we all carry on her passion for helping and lifting up others.
Desi Rodriguez-Lonebear says
My deep condolences! Sharon helped so many Cheyenne children improve their language skills over the years, including my siblings. She had an immense impact in our community for generations and will be missed.
Beverly Stiller, Stephen & Bradley Round says
Our most sincerest condolences to Del, Synda, Ally and the whole family. We will truly miss Sharon’s bright light. She was such a huge part of our family history and made such an impact in our lives and the lives of so many others. The world just won’t be the same without her. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Tom and Cheryl Larsen says
So so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing.Our heart breaks for Delbert the Dinstel family. Sharon will be so missed. She was loved by many. Sorry we could not make it to her send off.
With Sincere Sympathy
Tom and Cheryl Larsen
Molly Douglas says
My heart goes out to Ali, Del, Synda and the grandchildren for their loss. Sharon was a wonderful and compassionet person. She always looked at the brighter things in life. I will miss her smile and her laughter. I am thankful that I got to know her.
From Molly Douglas
Linda Littlewolf says
Sharon was a dear friend for many years. I always looked forward to our conversations and knew I could count on her for a good laugh! She was a dedicated educator and impacted the lives of many children and their families. She will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to Del, Synda, and Ali.
Judy Trout says
I knew Sharon from my time working at Lame Deer Schools. What I remember most about her was her passion for the children! She worked so hard to make a difference in their lives. She truly loved each and everyone of them. My sincere condolences to the family!
Russ & Brenda Dotson says
Del and family we are so sorry for the loss of Sharon. She was a beautiful, kind person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marie Kluver and Family says
Dinstel Family
Sharon always met you with a sweet smile and took time to visit. She appreciated what you did for her. A note sent years ago was still mentioned by her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Curt and Bonnie Bradley says
Del, Ali and Sydna,
So sorry we couldn’t make the service today! I loved Sharon’s laughter, her ability to talk and love everyone. She truly had a gift of gab. She was fearless. She truly loved her entire family and was so proud of you all. She will be missed and tears will flow. Sharon had a strong faith and anyone that knew her knows she is running, dancing, and laughing with her loved ones that passed before her. All our love and prayers to you all.
Peter Simonich says
Many memories of Sharon include laughing and warm conversation. She was genuinely a good person that touched many people lives. She will be missed immensely. Sending love and condolences to all her family.
Mary says
Surrounding everyone with prayers and comfort!!! I loved her dearly!!! Mary Siewert and Keri
Anita Kurtz says
Dear Delbert and family, We are deeply sorry for your loss of Sharon, It has been quite awhile since we had seen her. We met at Democratic events and Road Races. We always enjoyed visiting with her. We pray that you all find peace with your great memories of Sharon. In Sympathy and Prayers, Gene and Anita Kurtz
Pam and Dave Nisley says
We are so saddened to learn of her passing!! Our prayers for comfort go with Delbert, and the kids, and grands!! So young to be taken!!! We care, and will keep you covered in our prayers!!
Harriet Sleaford Jansenr says
Was shocked to read of Sharon’s passing. She was so caring to my daughter Glenda McPherson. Always a smile. Sending Prayers.
Frani Morris says
Del, Synda, Ali:
So sorry for your loss. I have many memories of Sharon and I doing crazy things together. She was an energizer of ideas. We did some fun 5K runs together. May your memories comfort you in this time of grief.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Sending our deepest sympathy to you, Del, and the whole family!nwe were saddened to hear of Sharon’s passing! She was much too young to go…but she did more wonderful things In her years than most accomplish in a lifetime. Our prayers for God’s peace for each of you. Friends forever! Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich
Lori Killsontop says
Sure going to miss you my friend I’m sure your mom is so happy to see you. It was a great pleasure to work with you. My sincerest condolences go out to Dell and Alli.
Misty King says
Condolences to the Dinstel family. Sharon taught me so much about helping and empowering children. I will be forever grateful for my time spent in her classroom at Dull Knife and for the time we spent working together. She was a beautiful soul, and will be missed greatly.
Duane and Jane McPherson says
Del, Synda, and Ali: Thinking of you all at this time. I have so many good memories of working with Sharon at Frank Brattin Middle School. She was the most kind hearted lady who had a special way of dealing with students. She will be missed.
Elli Elliott says
My heart goes out to all of you. Sharon was such a bright light and a joyful presence. Thank you for the privilege of being part of your great family occasion at Ali and Nick’s wedding. It was also a privilege to visit Sharon’s mother in Red Lodge when Sharon couldn’t, and I know that a wonderful spark moves from generation to generation. May you recognize that precious light in motion among you as you know Sharon’s physical absence. Many, many blessings and lotsa love!
Vern Ganser says
Del and family so sorry to hear of loosing Sharon thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Vern Ganser