Sharon Lea Palmer

Sharon Lea Palmer, born December 26, 1946, in Enterprise, Oregon, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024. She was deeply loved and cherished by her family, and her memory will forever be in their hearts.

Sharon is survived by her devoted husband, John Louis Palmer III, and their children: Janet Lea Hanofee (Martin), Melissa Jane Lucas (Mark), Darren Lance Palmer (Dawn), and Colleen Lynne Riche. She was a proud grandmother to 15 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 13.5 great-grandchildren.

As the eldest of six children, Sharon is remembered by her siblings Stanley Richard Bird (Ann), Tracie Lynn Duitsman (George), Shelley Louise Warren, Nancy Kay Long (Don), and Shawn Glay Bird Sr. (Linda). She was preceded in death by her parents, Merril Richard Bird and Dorothy Jean Bird, and her brother Theron Ray Bird.

Sharon had a passion for quilting, sewing and cooking, and gave generously with her gifts. She was a volunteer at local hospitals and she recycled old wedding gowns and turned them into beautiful christening gowns for deceased newborn babies, so their parents had beautiful garments for their burial.

Sharon and her husband John were avid classic car enthusiasts and were well known in the classic car community. Their pride and joy was restoring a 1955 1/2 Chevy pick-up truck and a 1952 Chevy Coupe sedan deluxe. Sharon was an accomplished businesswoman, owned and sold her own insurance agency, and enjoyed a long career in the insurance industry. She was an avid outdoors woman and she and John enjoyed many adventures, hunting, fishing and boating.

Sharon was known for her incredibly positive and sunny outlook. Through her long health battle, she maintained her happy and grateful optimism. Her smile and joyous laughter is what her family remembers the most.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brett Sheppard MD for his incredible and contentious care of Sharon.

Sharon's kindness, love, and unwavering spirit touched many lives. Her legacy will live on through her family and the countless memories she created with those she loved.

Memorial Services are Saturday August 17th, 10am at Virgil T Funeral Home in Salem, Oregon. Any friends, family and caregivers wishing to pay their respects are welcome to attend.