Sharon B. Fluss, age 80, of Terry, MT, passed away at her home on the Fluss -G Ranch south of Terry, on August 21st, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.
Sharon was born on July 31st, 1944 in Seattle, WA, where her father was working in the shipyards. She was the first of three daughters to Leslie and Clara (Schwartz) Dirks. She grew up in Fallon, MT with her sisters, Dianne and Pamela. She attended grade school in Fallon, followed by high school in Terry, where she graduated in 1962.
During her high school years, Sharon enjoyed cheerleading, especially cheering on Sherm as he played basketball. She also was a member of the choir, FHA, and student council.
After graduating high school, Sharon went on to Dickinson ND to pursue a degree in nursing at St. Joseph’s School of Practical Nursing. After completing her schooling, she worked in Great Falls as an LPN, then finished the remainder of her nursing career in Terry. She then returned to the ranch full-time to raise her family.
On September 4, 1965, Sharon married her lifelong partner, Sherman Lon Fluss. They were married in the Messiah Lutheran Church in Red Lodge, MT. After their post-wedding trip through western Montana, they then made their home on the Fluss -G Ranch south of Terry.
In November of 1966 Sherm and Sharon welcomed their first child, Shawn Andray into the world. Shan Jay was soon to follow in September of 1969, and in April of 1972 their third child, and only daughter Sharilyn Maria completed their family. Sharon adored her kids and enjoyed watching them grow up and participate in their many activities.
Once the kids started school, it didn’t take long before Sharon became involved in driving the school bus. She started out as a substitute for the southern route, which then turned into a full-time route that she drove for 19 years. This became a highlight in Sharon’s life, as she truly enjoyed the kids. Her fun and caring nature meant most Fridays included a stop at the gas station or ice cream shop for a snack. Sharon always made sure each kid got a treat. Christmas time was also a joy, as she always made something special for her riders.
Sharon loved supporting her kids and grandkids in their many endeavors. Shawn took part in 4-H and built numerous woodworking projects that he shared with his mom and dad. They enjoyed following Shan in his high school sports, basketball and football. Sharilyn’s college basketball career for the MSU Bobcats introduced them to many friends through travels, most of which have lasted until present day. Sharon also enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow and was thankful for the years she had with them. She loved traveling to Terry, Glendive and Billings to watch and cheer them on in their sporting events, band and choir concerts, theatre programs, and to attend their birthday parties. She loved hosting them for afternoons full of cooking and baking, and they loved to come and help her with house and yard work. As the grandkids got older, sleepovers turned from popcorn and root beer floats to wine and “Grama will you please take a shot with us?” to which she usually replied, laughing “probably not tonight.”
One of Sharon’s many joys was preparing gracious meals for her family and friends. She was well known for her ability to provide any kind of food at a moment’s notice, no matter how many people were around. She took special care and time to pass down her methods and recipes to her granddaughters. Her fried chicken was a family favorite, and the pfeffernusse cookie recipe has held a special place amongst the family for generations. Nobody ever left her house hungry.
Sharon loved living life on the ranch. The demanding nature of ranch life always kept her busy, but there was never a task that she said no to or couldn’t do. She was the homemaker, the wife, the mother, the cowhand, the farmer, and everything else in between – always without complaint.
Sharon was known for her kind heart, her natural beauty, and her smile. She was a classy lady that many admired, especially her family. Above all else, Sharon was a faithful servant of the Lord. Her faith and love for Jesus was her foundation, and everything around her was a product of that. This is her greatest legacy, that her family will be forever grateful for.
Sharon is survived by her three children: Shawn Fluss of Terry, MT; Shan Fluss of the Fluss Ranch, Sharilyn (Tim) Kortum of Terry, MT; her sister Pam (Rocky) Ban of Laurel, MT, Dianne (Wade) Freiboth, of Billings MT; six grandchildren: Bailey and Loni Kortum, Kasidee Smith; Alexis, Andraya, and Daylon Fluss; sister in-law, Lucille (Andy) Anderson of Coeur d’Alene, ID; brother in-law, Ron Johnson, of Terry, MT; Nephews and nieces: Brigette (Shane) Burbank of Huntley, MT: Toby (Staci) Ban of Ramsey, MN; Jana Barz of Billings, MT; Shane (Amber) Anderson of Loon Lake, WA; Sydnee (Keith) Wright of Coeur d’Alene, ID; Jay (Louisa) Johnson of Phoenix, AZ; Melissa (Barry) Ehlert of Meade, WA.
Sharon is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Sherman; her grandparents Isaac and Helena (Schultz) Dirks, Adolf and Maria (Schlenz) Schwartz; her parents Leslie and Clara (Schwartz) Dirks; mother and father in-law, Jay and Mabel Lucille “Minkey” (Barber) Fluss; sister in-law Georga (Fluss) Johnson; and nephew, Jason Freiboth.
If anyone so chooses, donations and memorials can be made to the charity or organization of their choice in memory of Sharon Fluss.
Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry on Friday, August 30, 2024. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Prairie County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday August 30, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, MT 59349
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 31, 2024
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, MT 59349
Luncheon
Immediately Following the Graveside Service
Saturday August 31, 2024
Evelyn Cameron Heritage Center
212 Laundre Avenue
Terry, MT 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday August 30, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, MT 59349
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 31, 2024
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, MT 59349
Luncheon
Immediately Following the Graveside Service
Saturday August 31, 2024
Evelyn Cameron Heritage Center
212 Laundre Avenue
Terry, MT 59349
Share
Joyce Holmlund says
A very nice lady! RIP
Lila Glade says
Sam & family, we were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing- at least she got to celebrate 80 years!. She was always such a classy person & one you loved to be near, our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family!
Troy and JoDee Hess says
Thoughts and prayers for all of Sharon’s family. She will be missed.
Josh & Piney Helmuth says
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Sharon. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family.
Josh and Piney
Andrea Miller says
So sorry to hear the loss of Sharon Fluss. Prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
Barb Smalis says
So sad for you! Sharon was one in a million and she will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her!
Molly pehl says
There are no words she was a amazing lady we are keeping you all in our prayers God Bless you all
Jo sturdevant says
Joanne says, I’m so saddened to hear of such a beautiful friend passing. We will miss your smile and kindness Sharon.God truely Bless you… will always love you and remember when you took care of my dad John Seteren.
Richard Scheetz says
Oh wow. Carol and i are so sad to hear of Sharon’s passing. Definately a classy lady, The whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry Keltner says
Shawn, Shan and Sam: I extend to all of you my heartfelt condolences on yet another loss with your Mom’s passing. Since learning of Sharon’s passing, it floods my memory with how sweet your Mom has always been to me. Her quick smile was infectious. Whether it was at sporting events, county fair, driving school bus or bumping into her at the grocery store, Sharon was always cheery. She was a tremendous supporter of your family and a constant cheerleader for decades. Sharon was an absolute fixture of THS activities. May your memories carry all of you forward.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Our deepest sympathy at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Mom was one of the kindest and friendliest person we knew. May she rest in peace
Larry and Judy says
We are saddened to hear of Sharon’s passing. We have many memories of get-togethers over the years, whether it be Homemaker’s parties, neighborhood card parties, brandings or shippings. Good times. We keep your family in our prayers as you deal with this huge loss.
Mary Ottoy says
Thoughts and prayers to you all
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, So sorry to see this. What a wonderful lady. Now she will be united with Sherm again. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Derald and Vivian Reno says
We sent our sympathy to the Fluss family after hearing about the sudden death of our friend and classmate Sharon. We have great memories of her.
Duane & Nancy Morast says
So sad to hear about Sharon’s passing!
Sherm was a classmate of mine- Sharon was
A year behind – always enjoyed visiting with both of them !
We would see them at basketball games – bobcats verse Griz watching our daughters!
Sharon touched a lot of hearts & will be missed!
Todd LaRowe says
Fluss family so sorry to hear about Sharon. She always had a beautiful smile and a happy hello whenever you saw her. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the family!
Pete & Marion Anderson says
Condolences from Pete and Marion Anderson.
Greg and Cindy Ban says
Shawn, Shan, Sherilyn and the rest of the family. It was a privilege to know your beautiful mother. I stayed out at ranch a few times with Pam and I loved it. Sharon was a good cook and they treated me like family. I thank God that someday soon, we will all be reunited and it will be for Eternity. Rest in peace dear Sharon and I pray for strength and comfort for all of you.
Dwight and Lynette Tague says
Fluss family, Sharon was always a cheerful person, but she had the biggest smile when she was asked about her family. So sorry for your loss and ours.
Vern stensvad says
Sam I’m very sorry to hear of your lose you and your family are in my prayers. Your family was there when we lost dad and you can bet mom and I will be here for you guys god bless
Kelly and Dulcy says
What an absolutely beautiful woman. We have so many fun memories of her. She and Sherm were both absolutely wonderful and were always so kind to us. We will remember her with fondness always. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Diane, Sharon & Judy says
Fluss and Dirks Family, our deepest condolences for the loss of Sharon. Dad received a birthday card from her the day before we heard about her passing, so it is a testament to her thoughtfulness. It seemed like Sharon was always happy to see you, and always made you feel welcome. Shawn, Shan, Sam, Diane and Pam…may you find comfort in the love and laughter you shared with Sharon. Her memory will always shine brightly.
The Hubing Family
Christine Whitlock Keltner says
My prayers to you all, Sharon was one in a million, she will be missed by us all.
Mary Ann Murray says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May her beautiful memories comfort you in the days ahead.
Sandie Waldo Viall says
Many memories of time spent with the Dirks family… church, school, bus rides visiting at the house. I always admired Sharon. She was always kind and friendly. Thinking of Pam and Diane and the Fluss family during this time of mourning.
Jean Trask Brown says
SWEET SHARON, HER BEAUTIFUL SMILE, SHE WILL BE MISSED.
LaDean Talcott says
What a beautiful story of this extraordinary woman. I knew Sharon as a young girl through our shared Aunt Olga. My heart hurts for all the family as you say goodbye to this special person in your life. She certainly has left you with many forever memories.
Kathryn Hinrichs says
Sharon was one of the loveliest humans I have ever had the privilege to know. Her generous and genuine love, joyful spirit, strength and humor will be deeply missed. I am so grateful to have been a part of her life for so long. My heart breaks for all of you.
Darlene L Strobel says
My deepest sympathies to all of you during these most difficult days. May God give you the extra strength needed in the days/months ahead. Cherish your memories of times together. 🙏💖
TERRY AND DEB Knapp says
Always enjoyed our conversations on the phone, waiting for Shan to pick up!! May her Eternal Light always Shine Bright!!
Stan Pehl says
Sincere thoughts and prayers for the Fluss family. I didn’t know Sharon well, but I remember her as a kind and welcoming person when I visited with other family members. Our best to you, and asking God to help deal with your loss.
Jim & Robin Trangmoe says
Shan, Sam & Shawn. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. You are in our prayers.
Darlene (Dukart) Erickson says
So sorry for the loss of your Mom; Sharon was a good friend.
She truly was a very special lady & will be missed.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Darlene (Dukart) Erickson🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Debra Ewalt says
I’ll always remember how shortly after meeting Sharon I felt as though I was a new and cherished friend. When my husband passed 3 years ago she traveled to Belle Fourche SD to attend his service. He and his two sisters lived in Terry when they were in High School. They were great friends