Sharon Lee (Hill) Haselton

On a glorious December day, Leo Bernard and Doris Katherine (nee Shaw) Hill, became parents to their 3rd child, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed daughter they named Sharon Lee Hill. She was born December 13th, 1936 in Red Bluff, California.

Sharon Lee was welcomed into a loving home by her parents and big sisters, Darlene Marcae and Rosemary. Seven years later they were joined by their brother, Duane Munfort and then a few years after that, their baby brother Leonard “Leo” rounded out the family unit. They enjoyed vacationing in Mineral, California and later built a cabin there where, together, they celebrated holidays and special events with extended family.

Sharon was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Bluff, California. She received all her early education in Red Bluff and graduated from Red Bluff High School in the class of 1954. Social and popular, she was very involved and part of many activities during her school years. To quote Sharon, at her 80th birthday party, “I was really social in grammar school... I wasn’t into learning a lot. So let me put it this way, I was an average student. In high school... I was still social, got average grades. I got a ‘B’ once in a while. That’s not bad. I was in the chorus, played the clarinet, was in the RB-ettes, cheer, drama and more...” Sharon also attended Shasta Community College. Her first job was at the local ‘State Theatre’ and then she worked for a short while at Pacific Bell.

In 1956 Sharon met Donald “Don” Lawrence Haselton, at a social in Red Bluff. Don was in town with the Air Force and within a year they married and began their life together. Sharon left Pacific Bell when the military had them move to North Dakota and then Iowa. When Don retired from the Air Force in 1964, they moved one last time, settling down in Chico, California.

Once her children began school, she returned to work full-time at Pacific Bell aka “Ma Bell”, in their Chico office, about 1967. After her return she found her stride in the workplace and quickly progressed through the ranks. Her father instilled a deep sense of civic duty and community pride in her. Sharon developed a passionate view of local and national events. She loved to engage and discuss her views and opinions.

Sharon became involved in the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA). A strong and ardent supporter of worker’s rights, she served as a VP, Treasurer and Legislative Chair for the local union. In 1982, when the Chico office closed, she moved to the Bay Area, then Sacramento, and finally to their Redding offices. In 1995, after retiring from what is now AT&T, she returned to Chico.

Sharon remained very active and devoted much of her energy and time to her children and grandchildren. She loved her hometown and especially her alma mater, Red Bluff High. She was very involved in their annual high school class reunions and had hoped to attend the 70th reunion in 2024. She also enjoyed her prayer group, collectibles, taking pictures, gardening, and was an avid reader. She served for many years along with Deacon James Burkett leading the Catholic’s Returning Home program at Our Divine Savior (ODS) Catholic Church in Chico. Sharon’s and Don’s deep faith in the Lord was integral to the raising of their family. All their children attended ODS.

She is survived by her late son Doug’s wife, Karen Haselton of Chico; daughters, Teresa Ann (John) Southworth of Los Molinos; Debra Lou (Robert) Smith of Durham; and son, Patrick Lawrence Haselton of Chico and Pat’s ex- wife Victoria Haselton, of Chico.

Sharon was blessed with a beautiful legacy of 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, with another due in March of 2024. Grandchildren include; Curtis (Allison) Haselton of Chico; Scott (Breanne) Haselton of Chico; Allison “Ali” Haselton of San Diego; Nicholas Lemos (Alice Stark) of Chico; Jessi (Matt) Culver of Wahiawa, Hawaii; Kaitlin (Daniel Jr.) Wait of Anderson; Julie (Mike) Giordano of Chico; Sarah Haselton of Sacramento; and Megan Haselton of Chico. Great-Grandchildren include; Elias, Bella, Josiah, Lily Kate, Malachi, Solomon, Kolten and Knox Haselton - all of Chico; Samuel “Sammy” and Maverick “Mavvy” Culver of Wahiawa Hawaii; and Owen and Ava Wait of Anderson.

She is also survived by her brother, Duane Munfort Hill of Ukiah.

Sharon was predeceased by her much beloved parents Leo B. (1979) and Doris K. (Shaw) Hill (2001), brother, Leonard “Leo” Hill (2005), sisters Darlene Marcae (2006) and Rosemary (2019), her ex-husband Donald Lawrence Haselton (2011) and her eldest son, Douglas Lee “Doug” Haselton (2018).

In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate, in Sharon’s memory, to the Disabled American Veterans, Boys Town or one of your own favorite charities.