Sharon Ray Hardman (Holt)

Sharon Ray Hardman, age 77, of Norwood, peacefully passed away with family by her side at the Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose on December 7, 2018. Sharon’s beautiful spirit and simple kindness were known to all on the mesa where she built a family in her warm country home.

Sharon was born in Telluride on November 17, 1941 to Harvey and Wyval Holt, a miner and boarding house keeper. She spent her childhood years in Ophir and Sawpit, riding wild donkeys and playing among the red cliffs of San Miguel Canyon. She and her siblings, Ben Seevers and Wanda Bennett often walked to school on the railroad tracks of the Ophir loop.

Shortly after moving to Norwood, Sharon’s heart was stolen by the country western dancing skills of Bob Hardman. They married on January 5, 1958 spending the next 61 years seldom apart. Sharon and Bob complimented each other perfectly, as Sharon was the consummate homemaker and rancher’s wife. She shared her love of community through baking and cooking. Everything Sharon baked was from scratch and rarely written down. Her pie recipes were perennial winners at the county fair. In fact, there are far too many blue ribbons and awards to count exactly how many times she won. Sharon opened her home, hosting travelers needing a comfortable bed at the Lone Cone Elk Ranch Bed & Breakfast. Her hearty breakfast and warm conversations touched many folks as they left with a fresh loaf of Swedish Limpa bread and jar of currant jelly.

Sharon cared deeply about people, and treated everyone with the same love and respect, regardless of whether she called you friend, acquaintance or stranger. She encouraged her children to be friends with those who didn’t have friends and ensured the elderly in the community had a warm meal and someone to visit with.

Sharon developed lifelong friends as a member of The Ute Trail Study Club, Grange and Toastmasters. She volunteered as a 4-H Leader, Fair Board member and school booster. Sharon rarely missed a wrestling match, basketball, volleyball or football game where her children or grandchildren were playing. No matter the miles traveled, Sharon would be there to support her family. Her smile graced many family reunions through the years.

Sharon will be remembered as a loving mother to Robin Snyder (Scott), Dirk Hardman (Sheri), Amy Hughes (Steve), Coy Bair (Buddy) and Molly Harris (Bob). Each of Sharon’s 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren will cherish the many memories and connections made with this special soul. Her strong faith and love of the Lord were important to Sharon until the very end.

Sharon joins her parents, grandparents, brother Sanford, sister Novelda, beloved in-laws, Hugh & Kathryn Hardman, and numerous nieces and nephews in Heaven. She is survived by her husband, five children and siblings Ben and Wanda.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 15, 2018 in the Norwood High School Gymnasium. A graveside service at the Norwood Cemetery and potluck dinner at the Norwood School Cafeteria will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Norwood Ambulance Fund, Box 411, Norwood, CO 81423 or Norwood Cemetery Association, Box 434, Norwood, CO 81423.