Sharon Lee Knudson

In memory of Sharon Lee (Showalter) Knudson who joined her loved ones in the beyond on February 8, 2026.

Sharon was born March 28, 1945 to Charles and Mildred Showalter. She was the oldest of four children and sister to three brothers. She was preceded in death by her Father, Mother, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Brother Donald Lynn, great-granddaughter Aurora Crawford and Jimmy Ellmore. She is survived by her brothers Chuck and Mike (Mary) Showalter; her daughters Kate Knudson, Cyndi Crawford; her grandchildren Haley, Brett, Madison, Brook, Devin, and Zak; her many Nephews and Nieces and her Aunts Anna Shanholtz and Bonnie Johnson.

After graduating from Fairfax High-school, Sharon attended Rockingham Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1966. Following in the footsteps of many generations before, Sharon joined the United States military, serving as a nurse in the Air Force Nurse Core during Vietnam. She cared for many injured soldiers when they returned from war. She took pride in her service, but more importantly was humbled to be a part in so many’s hard road back from devastation. Always showing great compassion and resilience, Sharon’s dedication earned her high praises from her commanding officers.

During this time, she also became engaged to Jimmy Ellmore. While waiting for Sharon’s return, Jimmy was setting up a home for their future. Unfortunately, weeks before the wedding he was in a very unfortunate accident and did not survive. After completing her military contract, Sharon returned home and mourned her lost love.

Joy returned to Sharon’s life on May 13, 1972 with the birth of her first daughter. Kate brought light back into the darkness and was Sharon’s whole world. Sharon continued to work as a nurse once returning to civilian life. Eventually reconnecting with an old neighbor and classmate, Sharon remarried in 1973 to Thomas Knudson. Sharon and Tom had been childhood neighbors and classmates before heading on their individual higher education paths after graduation.

Sharon and Tom had a daughter in January of 1975, Cyndi completed their family of four. They went on to raise their daughters and make many memories over the next twenty years.

During this time, Sharon as a nurse worked with premature babies, people living with chronic illness, the elderly in nursing homes, and so many more. She believed and showed through her care of others, that life is to be enjoyed and enriched by your experiences no matter how big or small. She tirelessly gave of herself to her patients and bring as much joy to them as she could. Her small gestures left big impacts.

Sharon volunteered at countless organizations and community events. Teaching her girls they can impact others in so many ways. She did all this without desire of recognition or gratitude. She did so knowing it was the right thing to do, to share her skills and her time so others might have just a little more joy or a better chance in this world.

Sharon retired after 50+ years as a nurse. She focused on helping her adult daughters navigate their lives, welcome six grandchildren, cared for ailing parents and family members. She sat by the beds of many as they passed on.

On February 8th, Sharon surrounded by her daughters and granddaughter, left to join so many loved ones she helped before. She was cared for by doctors and nurses that showed great respect for one of their own in her time of transition. I

Our mother left a mark in so many lives, but to us she was the mark. The mark that started our lives, the one there through the ups and downs. The one that shared her love endlessly. That laughed and cried with us. Her passing has left a defining mark as well. One that will clearly impact our lives without her.

Mom we will be forever grateful for all you shared with us and will keep ever present in our actions going forward. You taught us the importance of so many life lessons, not all that were easy. Your dedication for bringing joy will be carried on in all the generations to come. We love you.

Memorialization will be by cremation, with James & Sikes Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.