Sharon R. Manhart

Sharon R Manhart, age 91 passed away July 15th 2024 in her home in Montrose Colorado. 

 Sharon was born Sharon Lee Ruh, on March 27th 1933 in Columbus Ohio. The daughter of Lucille and Homer Ruh and sister to Shirley Ann Ruh. Sharon spent her formative years in Columbus attending Ohio State University and received a degree in Journalism and was an active member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. Sharon met and married Dr Harold E. Manhart (OSU Medical School) in Upper Arlington, Ohio on June 26, 1956, and spent their early years between Columbus and Fort Bragg, NC where Hal was a flight surgeon with the 82nd Airborne. 

 Sharon and Hal moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 1963 where Sharon was an active leader in state politics as a formative founder of the arboretum Lewis Nine Springs E-way project. Her volunteer work continued with aiding and assisting the Blind as well as an active leader with Attic Angels. Her most loved work was on their farm in southern Wisconsin where she spent decades restoring the native prairie lands and growing their black walnut trees and wildflowers. 

 The Manhart’s split their time between Madison, Wisconsin and Montrose, Colorado since 1983 where Sharon went on to receive her archeology degree and spent her time leading the Oregon Trail Association and on the board of the Ute Indian Museum. She was also an avid student of geology in the area.

 Beloved wife of Dr Harold Manhart and sons Grant (Marcia) and Scott (Cathy) Manhart and daughter Anne Manhart. Cherished Grandmother to Katarina Arenson, Kenton Manhart, Logan and Chase Manhart, Louis and Claire Manhart as well as two great grandchildren, Brantley and Avalyn. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Dr Harold Manhart on December 5th 2021. 

 A private family celebration will be held at their home in Wisconsin. Any donations can be made in their name to the Ute Indian Museum of Montrose Colorado, 17253 Chipeta Road Montrose, CO 81403 or to plant a tree in her name by visiting her memorial page at crippinfuneralhome.com