On the evening of December 28th, 2019, Shelley Gay Sharp passed away after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer. She was home and surrounded by family and friends. She was 68 years old.
Shelley was born November 1, 1951 in Helena Montana to Thomas and Roberta, their third daughter. Thomas and Roberta divorced shortly after Shelley’s birth leading Roberta to become a working single mother. Due to Roberta’s work shifts and life schedules, Shelley slowly moved in with and was raised by her grandmother, Tracy and grandfather, Bertram. She enjoyed a childhood full of Girl Scouts, Jobs Daughters and animals. She used her birthday money of 50 dollars to buy her first horse and enjoyed going to church with her grandmother.
Shelley attended high school at Helena High where she was active in theater and thoroughly enjoyed creating props and backgrounds. During her freshman year Shelley met Udell, the love of her life, while ice skating with her friend. Thanks to a case of mistaken identity, Shelley ended up getting pushed into a snowbank leading to her meeting Udell for the first time. Udell was so stricken with Shelley that he followed her home and their relationship began to blossom.
Shelley graduated High School in 1969 and went on to college at Eastern Montana College, in Billings. Shelley and Udell had a long-distance relationship during these years as Udell remained in Helena while Shelley was at school. Shelley earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1973 and returned home to Helena where Tracy, knowing that the relationship was getting serious, told Shelley to stop seeing Udell. This did not stop Shelley as she continued to sneak out to see Udell. Tracy eventually relented, knowing that her attempts were futile, and Shelley and Udell were married in on July 28, 1973.
Shelley began her education career working for the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Shelley was tasked with administering standardized testing to nontraditional students across the state. On one trip to a Hutterite colony she came out to her car to find a large group of children looking longingly at one of Udell’s baseballs in her back seat. When she saw they were playing with a worn baseball, reduced to nothing more than a roll of string, her soft heart couldn’t take it and she gave them the ball.
After a short time, Shelley was able to follow her passion when she was hired by Jim Darcy Elementary School. She was hired temporarily to fill a third-grade position but by the time the temporary position was done, a second-grade position opened. Shelley was hired full time as a second-grade teacher where she remained, teaching out of the same room, for the rest of her career. Shelley joyfully taught generations of second grade students during her over 42 years of teaching at the school.
Shelley met many of her lifelong friends through her teaching career spending time with them, riding motorcycles, and caring for her horses, which had grown from one to a heard of three. Shelley was blessed with the birth of her first child, Kadee, in 1984 followed by her second, Justin, the following year. Shelley continued her education earning her master’s degree from Lesley Collage, while teaching full time and raising two small children.
Shelley and her family enjoyed road trips and family vacations. Shelley developed a passion for geocaching and snagging finds across the country. Shelley was an avid collector of anything worth collecting and loved arts and crafts. In 2011 Shelley welcomed two grandchildren into her life. Shelley loved her grandchildren with all of her heart and spent every moment she could with them.
As Shelley reached retirement, she filled her love for children and teaching by continuing to be active in Girl Scouts and tutoring right up to when she became hospitalized as a result of the cancer. Shelley had an amazing skill at drawing children to her and making them want to be their best selves.
Shelley was a fervent believer and a member of Helena Valley Baptist Church. Shelley is survived by her husband Udell Sharp, daughter Kadee Knapp (Jeff Knapp), son Justin Sharp (Crystal Sharp), grandchildren Cayden Sharp and Kennedy Knapp, sister Sandra Colvin, nieces and nephews Mike Colvin, Tony Polaoro, Tracy Palaoro, Terri Hutzenbiler, great nieces and nephews Shaun Palaoro, Karie Palaoro, Thomas Palaoro, Austin Palaoro, Jake Palaoro and Taylor Hutzenbiler. Shelley was proceeded in death by her grandfathers Bertram House and Joseph Spurzem, grandmothers Tracy House and Margaret Spurzem, father Thomas Spurzem, mother Robera Lyons, stepfather Walter Lyons, sister Shirley Palaroro, brother-in-law Cecil Palaoro, great and niece Haley Hutzenbiler.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 3rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4th in the gymnasium at Jim Darcy School, 990 Lincoln Road. The entrance for services will be at the front doors next to the flag pole. A graveside service will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service in the cafeteria at Jim Darcy School.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 3, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 4, 2020
Jim Darcy School Gymnasium
990 Lincoln Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 4, 2020
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday January 4, 2020
Jim Darcy School Cafeteria
990 Lincoln Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 3, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 4, 2020
Jim Darcy School Gymnasium
990 Lincoln Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 4, 2020
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday January 4, 2020
Jim Darcy School Cafeteria
990 Lincoln Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Della Dobbins says
I’m sorry to hear of Shelly’s passing. I remember her as a good neighbor growing up and going to church at the Nazerine church. She was a very special lady to many.
Della Dobbins
Bridger Veterinary Hospital says
To all of Shelley’s family,
We want you to know that we are sharing your grief with the passing of Shelley. She was one of our favorite people.
Udell and Shelley supported us as a young business and were always there with friendship and warmth.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith, Shar, Steve and your friends at Bridger
Vicci Stroop says
What a blessing it has been to have known Shelley! She was a wonderful christian lady who dearly loved to work with children. The Lord definitely blessed her with the ability to teach children, whether it was at school, church or Girl Scouts. I have lots of great memories of serving with Shelley at Helena Valley Baptist Church and know that when our Lord called her home he said well done good and faithful servant! You are dearly missed my friend! Our thoughts and prayers to the Sharp family and friends. God Bless!
Pat Armstrong says
Udell, Kadee ,Justin and family. So sorry for your loss. We know how hard it is and wish you all the blessings available. I counted Shelly as a good friend. Prayers for you all in your time of need.
Nanette Hicks says
Dear Shelley, I am so saddened for your family. I enjoyed you so much as your role of “Willow Stump” at Day Camp. I always loved when daughters like your Kadee got to see the fun side of their moms while playing at Day Camp. You and Maria made a great team and all the girls who got to be your aides while guiding the girls to love the outdoors truly loved you. You will be in my fond memories for years to come. Thank you so much for your passion for teaching young children how to love to learn from you. I know all the angels have welcomed you with open arms. You were one of the best.
Lonnie Collings says
My heart is broken. Shelley was a wonderful person inside and out. I enjoyed being a co-worker, classmate and friend with her. She always had a wonderful smile. Shelley loved being a teacher, and it showed in all her children. She will be missed by all. We will miss her on our Saturday lunches. Prayers to the family
Barbara Long says
Sadden to hear of Shelley’s passing,Clifford, the girls and I send our prayers to Udell and his family. We have fond memories of Shelley from Helena Valley.
Psalms 23.
Jeff Driessen says
One of the most admired people I have ever known. My sincerest condolences to her family. I pray that as time goes on, you are able to take some comfort knowing how many people she impacted with so many positive experiences. I am so sorry for your loss. May God Bless and comfort you.
Jennifer Williams says
I am at a loss for words. Mrs Sharp was an amazing teacher. She was my favorite teacher. She shaped alot of young minds. She was amazing and will be missed dearly. My heart goes out to her family. May God help guide you through your loss.
Vicki Hampson says
Udell, Kadee & Justin, We are so very sorry for your loss. Your Mother was an amazing Lady and a wonderful and caring teacher. Two of my children were Blessed with having her for a teacher. Please know all of your Family are in our Prayers. May God watch over all of you in these difficult times.
Dona Frey says
I am so sorry to hear of Shelley’s passing. May the peace of God be with you all.
Teresa Burson Allen says
With surprise and a heart that is saddened, my prayers are being lifted for Udell, Kadee, and Justin. Shelley was an excellent educator, role-model, and Christian witness. She lived, shared, and was demonstrative of her belief In her Savior. Know that you all will continue to be in my prayers. Shelley will be missed , yet her legacy will be evidenced for decades to come through the young children who had her as their teacher. I am honored to have been her co-worker and principal at Jim Darcy School.
Teresa (Burson)
Michael J Spurzem says
On the behalf of my mother and the rest of my family, I want to convey our sadness at the passing of Shelley. Shelley was obviously a caregiver in all that she did and that was true with my mother. She and Sandra visited mom on occasion after my father died. Mom always looked forward to seeing them and always enjoyed those visits.
Shelley is gone too soon. Wishing each of you wonderful memories of your time with her. Peace, michael spurzem
Deb Hendrix says
Such sad news … Shelley was a special person and will be missed. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family.❤️
Laura Bartmess D'Avis says
There are no words to describe the sadness I feel, but blessed to have known such a remarkable lady for so many years, and one I will never forget! God be with you all to comfort your heavy hearts.
Dayle Williams says
My deepest sympathies. She was my second grade teacher at Jim Darcy. I remember her fondly as a fun and caring teacher.
Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton says
So sorry to hear about Shelley passing. She will be missed. My thoughts are with all of you.
Bev Mitchell says
What a blessing you have been to the world of educating children, Shelley Sharp. You towered with high regard; you modeled kindness and compassion for all of us; thank you dear friend and fellow teacher. Safe journey and know that you have made a difference for “goodness and service to others” for so many, in your classrooms, and in the eyes of those who have watched and learned.
Crystal says
It’s with such sadness that I am writing on this site. Shelley was such a wonderful person!! She was always considered by me as a 6th sister! We had such fun on our yearly visits to Helena from fireworks to digging for crystals to having happy family meals at Christmas and 4th of July to our ‘sister’ weekends at the hot springs. The one thing I missed the most when I left Helena after my parents both passed away was being able to go over to Udell and Shelley’s house to fellowship and play games and laugh together! She had such a big heart for people and especially for children! Death took a wonderful person whom I will always remember with great love and admiration.
Barbara Post says
Shelley was a wonderful person with such a caring and tender heart. She was a longtime member and pillar of strength of Helena Valley Baptist Church serving in many capacities throughout the years. She was an encourager to everyone. Children were her love. In addition to being a school teacher, at HVBC she taught children in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and any other time there was a need for a children’s teacher. I am thankful to God that I was able to get to know Shelley better this past year as we served together at HVBC. Because of her knowledge of the history of the church, she was most helpful in planning the Re-dedication Service of HVBC held on May 5, 2019. She served this year on the Pastoral Search Committee and was a great asset in our search for and the calling of our new Pastor. She is in heaven now, free of pain and suffering, worshipping God with all those who went before her. God, please bring comfort to those of us who are left behind, her family, friends, and HVBC members, as we mourn our loss of Shelley.
Virginia Burrell says
Mrs. Sharp was the most wonderful woman, amazing teacher, and best girl scout leader we had. She always had a smile on her face and was so welcoming to everyone. We are so grateful and blessed that we got to know her through our girls. They were so lucky to get her as a teacher, leader and friend. You are going to be greatly missed by many including our family. Fly high with the angels Mrs. Sharp and God bless you and your family 🙏😇❣️
Mindy Harwood says
So sorry for the loss of a person who was obviously a wonderful wife, mother, and family member. Condolences to all her family and friends, and especially to Udell, who loved her from day one.
Katherine Tomaskie says
Shelley will be missed Dearly by all. She was a great friend and Girl Scout Leader, as well as a fantastic Teacher. She touched so many lives. My prayers go out to you Udell and your children.
Kathy Tomaskie
Marissa Quenzer says
Shelly was such a wonderful person. So caring and passionate about everything she did. She was a great girl scout leader, very fun and adventurous. She will be greatly missed. Pesters to you and your family.
WENDY Feth says
Shelley will be sorely missed. She brightened any room with her presence. She is up in heaven now rejoicing in the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ. This is not goodbye but see you later. Thank you Shelley for your love.
Wendy Feth
Kade Smith says
She was an amazing teacher an a amazing friend and I’ll miss her dearly. I give my condolences.
Doug Minor says
This is so heartbreaking. Cancer is so devastating and it is so hard to deal with, especially when it hits so hard and fast. My heart goes out to you Udell, Tim, Squeaky and the rest of the family. Love you all.
Tonya Bender says
Shelly will be missed by our family, she taught my sons the meaning of Christ and what it means to be a Christian. We will never forget her smile and her clam words when dealing with our boys. God be with this family and friends. I cant wait to see her again in Heaven.
Kim Colvin says
Shelley and Udell are my children’s God Parents. She is their Aunt Shelley and her big heart will be missed by all of us in our family. She was always kind and gentle to everyone. Her hugs were the best! Her precious and sensitive spirit and soul were a great gift to all who came in contact with her. We will never forget her wonderful way in life. Our hearts are sad and full of love for her family. Many blessings as you all go through this time of loss. Love always, Kim, Tanner, and Mariel
Jacob Goodin says
I didn’t get to know Shelly for long and only really interacted during church, but it was long enough to know that she was one of the best people I have ever met. She possessed a purity of heart that was obvious to all who met her. I and my family are saddened by her passing but encouraged to know that she is with our Lord in heaven and experiencing more joy right now than we can fathom!
Robin Britt says
Udell and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Shelley’s passing. I have such fond memories of riding our bikes around the neighborhood and ice skating. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patti Liston Boullie says
Shelley has always been my best friend even when all though years we didn’t see it talk. I met her the first day of freshman year and we went to eastern together. I was so grateful to see her in September. We were looking forward to another visit next year. I’m heartbroken for Usell and their family. And for me too wishing I could take back the years we weren’t in contact. Love u Shelley.
Gail Haniuk Kennedy says
My condolences to Shelly’s family and friends. Shelly was a childhood friend of mine and we hung out a lot together. She was a kind and happy soul. God bless her and her loved ones.
Gail Haniuk Kennedy
William says
Now that family and friends are returned home and will have to get back to the daily grind of life, I would like to say that I’m going to miss not having Shelley just on the other side of town. We didn’t spend much time with each other, the fault was mine, it was always good to know that family was close by in times of need. At the funeral and reception I wondered how there was ever any time.
Misty O'Donnell says
I didn’t know Shelley well, but what I did know of her was that she truly loved her family . Sorry to hear of her passing. She will truly be missed.