Sharon Lolita Shaw

December 5, 1944 - August 5, 2021

Sharon Lolita Russell was born on December 5th, 1944 in Portland, Oregon to Wally & Ellen Russell. She was the oldest of 6 children and the only girl. Sharon’s family lived on McNeil Island, Washington, where her father worked as a correctional officer. Life on the island was full of adventure for Sharon and her younger brothers who often found themselves at the center of all sorts of antics. Sharon married Ronald Darwin Shaw on July 12, 1963 in Tacoma, Washington. They moved to Newberg, Oregon in 1984. They were married for 58 years. Together they had 8 children. They were also honorary parents to many additional children over the course of their lives. Sharon attended George Fox University where she was a social work major with a minor in sociology. She was passionate about understanding people and had a desire to help people in need. She went on to work with many women in prison ministries, domestic violence survivors, survivors of sexual assault and provided trauma informed care to countless women. Her influence on her community cannot be overstated. Sharon was the mother to 8 children, grandmother to 30, great-grandmother to 9. She was also a wife, sister, aunt, and a friend to many. She became an integral part of the community and has touched so many lives. From her social work career to working as the beloved card-checker and greeter at Bon Appetit at George Fox University where she embodied the University’s “Be Known” promise, she impacted countless lives. Sharon Shaw passed away on Thursday, August 5th, 2021, in her home in Newberg, Oregon. She was surrounded by her family. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children. Sharon is survived by her husband, Ron Shaw, her children and their spouses, John & Teresa Shaw, Raymond & Leann Shaw, Janet & Dave Herron, Daniel & Jenni Shaw, Sherrylynn & Joshua Henley, David & Elrike Shaw, Venita & Sean Cardoza and Michael & Alisa Shaw, her brothers and their wives, Lyle & Carmen Russell, Patti Russell - wife to Cliff, Bruce & Lynda Russell, Mark & Janet Russell and Conrad Russell. She is preceded in death by her brother Clifford Russell.