Sharon Kay Hadler

Sharon Kay Hadler, age 83 passed peacefully on February 27, 2023 at Cache Valley Hospital in the warm embrace of her daughter and with the love of her family. She was born on May 26, 1939 in Rockford, Illinois to endearing parents Ernest and Grace Palmer.

Sharon always met challenges with a positive attitude always looking for the good in each day. When she was six, she contracted rheumatic fever leaving her deaf in one ear. Doctors suggested that she and her family move to dry warm climate, so they moved to Arizona. After a year of healing, the family moved to Sacramento. Her father became a branch postal superintendent and her mother a foster parent. Sharon had two brothers and many foster brother and sisters that resided in the Palmer (Grandma Gracie) household. Sharon helped with homework, baked snacks, and played games with those that entered their home and the children adored her.

Sacramento was the perfect move. Though Sharon was shy around her peers, she loved a good high school football game. After a game, she left her purse on the bleachers. Another student named Jack Hadler found it and returned it to her. Jack was outgoing and charismatic and though Sharon was more reserved, she knew she had met her sweetheart. Jack and Sharon were married on February 8, 1958. Within just a few years, daughter Sandy and son Michael (Mick) were born making their family complete. 

She loved the time she spent with her children. Sharon was a Campfire Girls leader, Little League team mom, girls’ camp counselor, and always willing to be the “mom taxi” to skating rinks, sporting events, and school activities. Saturday night was spaghetti night. That way she could add more as needed for neighbors, friends of the kids, or sports teams that were invited to join their family dinner. Sharon had a special closet full of “extra gifts”. If someone were staying unexpectedly during the holidays, rest assured there would be a present under the tree. The Hadler household was always open to guests and they always felt welcomed

While living in Sacramento, Sharon was a stenographer for the State of California. She was recognized for her fast and accurate shorthand. The Hadlers later moved a short distance to Elk Grove where Jack and Sharon opened a family furniture store called the Vintage Oak. Both Sandy and Mickey worked in the store along many others in the community. Sharon was inspired to open an old-fashioned kitchen gift shop called the Vintage Kitchen complete with homemade fudge. The holidays were magical as the stores came to life with Christmas ornaments, animated figurines and festive gifts for the special season. 

Sharon and Jack also enjoyed the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  The family often went camping, fishing and their favorite place Lake Tahoe. While raising their children they made memories at their rustic cabin on the American River not far from Tahoe. Sharon felt nature call to her, as she was bird watching, collecting pinecones and watching the sun sparkle on the water. She awoke early to watch the sun greet the sky above the mountain skyline. In the evening, she thanked the Lord for allowing her to see His loving handiwork throughout her day.

Jack and Sharon retired and moved to Palm Springs to a warmer dryer climate for the sake of Jack’s health.  Sandy and her family had moved to Utah where she was a teacher,  while Mike remained in Elk Grove working for the school district. Her children and their families loved to visit where Jack and Sharon would teach them about the game of golf and the beauties of the desert. Sharon embraced their new home at the Desert Princess golf community. They bought a little condo right on the first green of the championship golf course.  When not golfing, they would sit on the patio feeding the ducks or watching the hummingbirds drinking from their feeders. Sharon loved to walk. While on her daily walks, she would be inspired to stop and visit friends and neighbors. She would check in and see how they were doing and see if she could help. Both her kids and their families loved visiting them on the desert.  Life was simple and Sharon felt that life was perfect. 

In 2009, the love of her life passed away. During this difficult time, her children continued to stay close to their mother.  Mick and his family came to visit regularly in the spring and fall.  Sharon spent the next several summers near her daughter as a Summer Citizen at USU. She enjoyed her new senior friends attending musicals, street fairs, and exploring the majestic mountains of Cache Valley.

Sharon decided it was time move closer to her daughter and make Logan her permanent home in 2017.  She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints and loved teaching her primary class. She continued to find ways to serve those around her. Sharon enjoyed visiting residents in the memory center, sewing bags for Little Lambs and helping Sandy prepare her classroom for a new school year. Sharon loved her family and looked forward to attending games, baptisms, graduations, and course the holidays. She would travel by plane, bus, train or car to spend time with her family that she cherished. 

Sharon lived at Pioneer Valley Lodge. It is a special retirement community that she absolutely loved as it felt like home. She enjoyed swapping stories of her precious grandkids and appreciating the music both played by residents there and those that came to visit. She went on field trips to explore new places such as Tony's Grove and Hardware Ranch. She enjoyed the beautiful grounds as she strolled with her new-found walking buddies. She always felt accomplished when she reached her goal of 10,000 steps. Sharon loved her home and truly adored her endearing and cherished friends. 

Sharon believed that nothing happens by chance. She felt that life is a glorious journey filled with opportunity to feel God’s love through His tender mercies. Sharon listened to the promptings of the Spirit. She was a mother, grandma and great grandma and friend that shared her light in small and simple ways, but has made a big difference in the lives of all that she touched in memorable ways. Her kind and cheerful spirit will be truly missed but has rejoined her sweetheart at last. 

Sharon was preceded in death by parents Ernest and Grace Palmer along with brother Robert, son Michael, and grandson Christopher.  She is survived by her brother Ernest William Palmer. She left behind daughter Sandy Curtis (Ken) and her grandchildren Dustin, Matthew, Michael and Sierra and four great grandchildren along with the many step grandchildren and great grandchildren that she loved. She also was survived by Michael’s wife Wendy and their two children Nicholas and Kristi. 

A celebration of life will be held in Sharon's honor on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Pioneer Valley Lodge, 2351 N 400 E, North Logan. Visiting and a light refreshment will follow.

Those who would like to attend virtually may use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88051897601