Sharon Washington

1950 – 2023

Sharon Washington, our sweet wife and mother, peacefully passed away at the age of 72 on August 27, 2023 surrounded by her family and close friends after a valiant battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was born on October 14, 1950, in American Fork, Utah as the oldest child of her loving parents, Robert Henry Richins and Fern Wilkin Richins.

Sharon grew up in American Fork and graduated from American Fork High School where she was a member of the Cavettes.

Following high school she attended Utah State University. During one summer break, while working at Jackson Lake Lodge, she caught a young man sliding down the bannister of the grand staircase. That turned out to be just the first of many times that Daniel Blair Washington would bring a smile to her face, as they were later married on September 18, 1971 in American Fork, Utah. A year later, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple. After leaving Logan, Dan and Sharon lived for a few years in Magdalena, New Mexico and West Jordan, Utah before ultimately settling down in American Fork where they raised their six children and built a wonderful life together. Sharon’s unconditional love for her children was surpassed only by her love for her grandchildren and great-grandson. There was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with her family and developing unique and personal relationships with each one.

Sharon was a hard worker and loved everyone. That combination led to a successful career in Human Resources at American Fork Hospital, where she made many friends. Her work ethic and charitable nature also enabled her to be a highly effective leader and teacher as she served in various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She especially cherished the experiences she had serving as a ward and stake leader in the Young Women organization and she made a great impact in the lives of the young women she served. In recent years, Sharon was able to serve with Dan in the Heritage (Care Center) Branch. She was a true disciple of Christ and treated everyone as family.

Sharon was a master with a needle and thread or yarn, a talent that benefited all of the family and friends who received one of her beautiful quilts or hot pads. She was an equally talented cook and enjoyed hosting family and friends on holidays and for Sunday dinners.

Sharon spent many happy hours around a table playing games with loved ones. Dan and Sharon spent fun times around campfires and enjoyed the outdoors with their family. They shared many wonderful adventures together.

Sharon is survived by her best friend and the love of her life, Dan; children, Jennifer (Jason) Lott, Angela (Jason) Hall, Jamie Washington (Kelsey Tyson II), Bryan Washington (Nicole Bailey), Todd Washington, and Melissa (Doug) Hansen; grandchildren Kelsie (Nathan), Rachel, Brinlee (Colton), Kennadi, Austin, Katelyn, Lexie, Kyle, Sara, Dallin, Blake, Amos, and Kian; great-grandson Gryffin; and siblings, Nancy (Doug) Pectol, LaGrand Richins, and Craig Richins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Fern, and her brother, David Richins.

Though she has passed, her warmth and love will remain. The happy memories we have of good times spent with her will live on. The family thanks all of the doctors, nurses, and hospice workers who provided such kind care for Sharon at the end of her life.

We invite friends to join us at a viewing on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 E 100 N in American Fork and at the funeral service that will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the American Fork Central Stake Center, 320 N 100 E, American Fork. Prior to the funeral service, there will be a viewing from 9:45-10:45 AM.

Please share a memory on Sharonás Tribute Wall at www.AndersonMortuary.com.