Obituary - Sharlene Faye Hanson

Sharlene Faye Hanson of Chester, MT, peacefully passed away September 22, 2023, at the age of 87.

Sharlene was born on September 20, 1936, in Havre MT. She attended school up to the fourth grade in Galata (1945), and then the family moved to Chester as her father, Cliff, went to work for John Deere, and her mother, Elizabeth, taught school. Sharlene graduated from Chester high school in 1954 and attended Concordia College in Minnesota for one year.

She was dating Chester's own Cowboy Casanova, Ronnie Hanson, who had returned to Chester upon completing his service in the Marines to be married on December 28, 1956. Sharlene and Ron were married 60 years before his passing in 2017.

During their marriage, Sharlene and Ron resided in Chester; Havre; Huron, SD; Moorhead, MN, and Hampton, IA. Sharlene worked a variety of office positions until her retirement from First Lutheran Church in Havre.

Sharlene always had a smile and a warm welcome for all. She was a patient, caring and kind-hearted mother, grandmother and friend. She treasured spending time with her family and was an amazing cook. She enjoyed reconnecting at numerous family reunions and kept meticulous records as a family archivist. Sharlene was a long-time member of the First Lutheran Church in Havre.

Sharlene was predeceased by her husband, Ronald; parents, Clifford and Elizabeth Leighton, and brother Mark Leighton.

She is survived by her daughter, Jacquie Hanson (Herb) of Spokane WA, and sons, Scott Hanson (Jan Marie) of Havre, MT, and Eric Hanson (Laurel) of Missoula MT, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Survivors also include her brother Larry Leighton (Bonnie) and sisters, Sandy Schumacher (Dean), Randi Holland (Jim) and Chelli Fossen (Marlowe). She is also survived by her best friend of over 60 years, Helen Hill.

Sharlene leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and cherished memories. She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Liberty Medical Center for their compassionate care during her final years. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.