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Obituary

Sharon Rose Smith

May 12, 2025 | 21 comments

Sharon Rose Smith, 64, of Holmen, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer that lasted over a year.

 

She was born on December 11, 1960, in La Crosse, to James and Charlotte Dayton. Sharon married Richard Smith Jr. on May 24, 1997. She stayed strong and positive during her fight with cancer and never gave up.

 

Sharon is preceded in death by both of her parents, and is survived by her husband Rick Smith, her son, Austin Dayton and his girlfriend Kelly, her brother David Dayton and his wife Lois, and her nephews, Nicholas Dayton and Alex Dayton.

 

The family would like to send special thanks to the staff in the cancer and oncology department at Mayo Health in La Crosse, they are special people, and we greatly appreciate them.

 

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00p.m. at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street Onalaska, WI.

 

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.

Condolences

21 Comments

  1. Kelly

    Sharon, you will be so missed. I’ll never forget how much you welcomed me into your life. You raised the most amazing son, and I see so much of you in him. Rest easy, sweetie. I’ve got it from here 🥹❤️

    Reply
  2. Lance and Mary Jo Rickaway

    We express our condolences to Rick and the entire family and friends of Sharon. Though we only met her a few times, she was a special person and we enjoyed her company. May she rest in peace.

    Reply
    • Andrew Dayton

      I am sorry for your loss of Sharon. She was a smart, caring, family oriented person. she will be missed. I have not seen her for a couple of years and wish I had visited more.
      Best wishes for the Smith and Dayton family.

      Reply
  3. Pat Smith

    So sorry to hear this news. May she rest in Peace.

    Reply
    • JANINE SMITH

      Oh my, God has chosen another angel to rest. May he bless the family and let them know that Sharon is at peace.

      Reply
      • Deb Smith Gustafson

        Much love to you, Rick and Austin! Sharon has been part of the Smith family for so long. Peace be with you as you say goodbye for now.

        Reply
  4. Samantha Fortun

    Sharon was not only a wonderful friend but a second mom to me. The fun we had together will be remembered and kept close to my heart.
    The things I remember most of Sharon:
    The love of summer and being on the water
    The creative way she decorated for the holidays ( her favorite Christmas even though she hated winter)
    Her love of music! I don’t remember how many iPod things she had but good grief she had a few. lol
    Her standing with the Steelers – so happy Austin and Sharon were are to see the packer and steeler game together.
    Her favorite DC – Batman – had a beach towel in the back seat of her vehicle at all times of the Batman symbol.
    She loved to cook and bake- which I loved since I got to taste test.
    Always love to hang out with friends and family – the Oktoberfest parade was always fun.
    The stories she could tell!
    I could go on and on, but you get the point that she was someone special to me. She will be truly missed.

    Reply
  5. Julie Amundson

    City Girl, I cherish all the wonderful times we had in Repair. Thanks for all the laughs, tears, and best of all a friendship. You earned your wings. You will never be forgotten. Love you, Farm Girl

    Reply
  6. Tina Trowbridge

    She will be greatly missed. I miss all the good times we had working together

    Reply
  7. Jessica Groves

    Sharon was my Aunt and I will never forget the kindness and empathy she carried for others. She always had a positive attitude. If we were at the Oktoberfest parade, holiday gatherings, camping, or any other family function, I could always look her way and find her smiling or laughing. She was the person I wanted to be next to because of her comforting nature, wonderful sense of humor, and her ability to make everything fun, to name just a few. Witnessing the love She had for her son has made me a better mother. Sharon- you made this world a better place. I miss you, I love you, and I’ll always remember you.

    Reply
  8. Catherine Jensen

    My deepest condolences to my cousin Rick and his family on the tragic loss of Sharon. She was so fun loving and enjoyed a good laugh. She was loved by many and will be missed.

    Reply
    • Connie W Doerre

      Rich, my sympathies to you and your family.

      Reply
  9. Joan Ernst

    Sharon was such a sweet, down to earth woman with a huge heart. We shared some wild days in our youth that were filled with laughter; and through the years, despite the distance, remained friends. I will truly miss her warm words and easy going laugh. Rick, she sang your praises this past year as the best caregiver and husband. And Austin, you were always the apple of her eye. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace, dear Sharon.

    Reply
  10. Cyndi Pehler

    Rick and Austin, Sharon was an amazing person. I remember meeting you all so many years ago and sorry I lost touch with her but thank you, Rick, for keeping me updated on her journey. I will miss her. She had such a wonderful sense of humor and smile. Condolences to you both…Joe and Cyndi Pehler

    Reply
  11. Angie Shoecraft

    To the Family and Loved Ones of Sharon Smith,

    I was deeply saddened to hear of Sharon’s passing. Though I had the privilege of working with her for only a short time, she left a lasting impression on me and everyone around her.

    Sharon was a fierce and radiant presence—someone who truly made the world a better place. Her ability to lift spirits and bring smiles to those around her was a gift we were all lucky to experience. Whether it was through her unwavering positivity, her infectious laughter, or our inside jokes about our friend “Stella” after a long day, Sharon had a way of making even the toughest days feel lighter.

    She was a pillar of strength and encouragement for her team, always helping others overcome challenges with grace and humor. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and joy will live on in all of us who had the honor of knowing her.

    God is surely welcoming a very special angel. Sharon, you will be deeply missed—but don’t worry, we’ll keep the “cart” stocked in your honor.

    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Angie Shoecraft

    Reply
  12. Kathy Schultz

    So very sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  13. Pat Dayton

    Sharon was very dedicated to her family.
    Now she gets to meet God and find her peace.

    Reply
  14. Lynda Evers

    My deepest sympathies to the family. I had the privilege of working with Sharon for eight years at CenturyLink. She was a highly dedicated employee who you knew if you gave her something to do, it got done! RIP dear lady your work here is done. May God comfort your family 🙏

    Reply
  15. Gerald.rendler

    condolences to you Rich, and your family. she was a very nice person. takecare.

    Reply
  16. Francis Formanek

    Please accept my sincere sympathy on Sharon’s death. I remember her cheering on the Battling Bohunks 16in. tavern league team with her mom and dad. May all the good memories of her help to ease your sorrow during this most difficult time.

    Reply
  17. Gary Padesky

    So, so sorry Rich…thoughts & prayers my friend.

    Reply

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