Sharon Thomas Hess
June 12, 1933 – May 24, 2024
Sharon Thomas Hess, 90, of Malad City, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home
surrounded by family on May 24, 2024.
Sharon was born June 12, 1933, in Malad, Idaho to Morris Thomas and Maude Harris Thomas. She was raised on a farm in St. John during the depression and learned the value of hard work during these difficult times. One of the great influences during her childhood was her Grandma Nellie Thomas, who taught her important life skills, such as cooking, sewing, canning, etc. She was educated in St. John Elementary in a two-room schoolhouse with one teacher through 8th grade. There were 8 students in her grade and she was Valedictorian of her class.
She entered Malad High School in September of 1948, and she recounts how it scared her to death after coming from the small country school. She loved school, especially band and chorus. She graduated from High School and Seminary in May, 1951.
Following graduation, Sharon began dating Ferris Hess and they were eventually married on October 15, 1952. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple on March 29, 1965.
Sharon and Ferris built their first house at 29 West 200 North, moving in on June 17, 1954 and she lived there until her passing.
Sharon worked at various jobs during her lifetime including Nurse’s Aide, Hess Lumber, Allen Drug, American Food Store, Jensen Jeweler, Oneida Genealogy, Telephone Operator, and also took care of children in her home.
She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints and
served in various callings. Young Women Teacher, Second Counselor in R.S Presidency, Stake Homemaking Leader, Primary Organist, are just a few of them.
Sharon was very talented and enjoyed a variety of activities. She was an excellent
seamstress and sewed clothing for her children including her daughter’s wedding
dress and blessing dresses for granddaughters. Many hours were spent making costumes for events such as road shows, clogging recitals, plays, etc.
She also drew and painted backdrops and scenery for various programs. She enjoyed art and all types of crafts, one of her favorites being her doll collection, which consists of 56. She enjoyed dancing and took clogging lessons from her daughter when she was 53. She loved singing and she shared her talent as a member of the Malad Community Chorus for over 20 years. One of her fondest memories of singing with the chorus was when she had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Family was first and foremost in her life and she was her kids and grandkids number one fan. She always said that over the years her life was centered around sports, starting with her husband and ending with grandchildren. She and Ferris attended every sporting event, school event, church activity, dance recital, graduation, wedding, missionary farewell, and blessing, etc. that they could until health made travel difficult. Picnic lunches in Power House with family was one of her favorite pastimes . . . she loved the simple things in life. She loved to travel, she and Ferris went on many trips and cruises with family and friends. Her travels took her to Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Scotland, Wales, UK, Disneyland, etc . . . but most the travel miles were spent on the road visiting children and grandchildren.
Sharon is survived by Ferris, her husband of 71 years; children, Greg Hess, Sid Hess, Kim (Lee) Hess, Teresa (Phil) Runkel, Todd (Cheryl) Hess; 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; brother Red Monte (Janice) Thomas. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Tiffany Baker.
A viewing will be held at the Horsley Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29 from 7 PM to 8 PM and Thursday morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 30 at 12 noon at the 6th Ward Chapel.