Sharon Anderson

Sharon Anderson, age 59, of Apple Valley, Ca, died on Wednesday, September17, 2008 at her home. Sharon Louise Anderson, the daughter of Robert and Sylvia (Kjos) Anderson, was born December 10, 1948 in Mahnomen, MN, where she lived with her family on a farm. At age 5, Sharon spent 14 months at Gillette State Hospital in St Paul MN. There she received medical care for congenital hips. She attended school in Mahnomen, graduating with the class of 1967. After completing high school, Sharon graduated after three years with a teaching degree from Concordia College in Moorhead MN. She wanted to get away from the cold and ice so her first teaching job she accepted was in Death Valley CA. There she became acquainted with Karen Tinsley, who has remained a constant and dear friend for the rest of her years. Sharon also taught school in Denver, CO and Portland, OR. During a vacation at the Tinsley’s home in California, she was offered a teaching position in Apple Valley, CA teaching business and computers. She also taught evening classes at the Victor Valley College. Sharon continued her education by obtaining her MBA from the University of California Riverside. In 2001 Sharon was honored to receive the San Bernardino County teacher of the year award. Currently, Sharon was in her 31st year of teaching at the Apple Valley Unified School District. Sharon truly loved to teach and had a special way of talking to adolescents. Through this gift she was able to develop a wonderful relationship with her nieces. She was always willing to sit and talk, as well as simply listen. Sharon cherished her family and was her dad’s best card playing buddy. She enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and coming home to Minnesota every summer. Sharon liked to go to craft shows and spent many hours doing counted cross-stitch. Last year, she renewed her membership at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen where she felt at home in her spirituality. Although she had many painful struggles due to her health, Sharon never complained and always kept a positive attitude towards life. Her wonderful sense of humor, her contagious smile and her ability to visit with people will be missed by all whom she touched. She is survived by her parents, Bob and Sylvia Anderson of Mahnomen; two sisters, Barb (Ron) Pishtek of Brocket, ND and Betty (Wayne) Paul of Mahnomen; two nieces; Rachael Pishtek of Brocket, and Amy (Joshua) Moss of Plymouth, MN; as well as aunts and uncle; Jan Anderson of Austin, TX, Lois Nelson of Oshkosh, WI, and Harold and Avis Kjos of Mahnomen. Sharon was preceded in death by all of her grandparents: Oscar and Irene Anderson and Selmer and Erna Kjos, two uncles, Harold Anderson and Doug Nelson: one niece, Amanda Paul and one nephew, Wade Paul. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will take place from 5:00 PM until 7:00PM on Monday, September 22, 2008 at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home.

Sharon Anderson

December 10, 1948 - September 17, 2008