Obituary of Sharon Alice Smith

Sharon Alice Smith, 72, died peacefully Monday, January 25 from complications related to pulmonary hypertension. She was preceded in death by parents Virginia Smith (née Schneider) and Merle Smith.

She leaves her son Scott Smith and daughter-in-law Deanna Arce, daughter Jessica Reutiman, grandsons Carter and Ian Arce-Smith; four sisters Linda Boll and husband Joe, Sandy Busch and husband Steve, Nancy Smith and husband John Scheffler, and Laurie Wondra; and two brothers Wayne Smith and wife Lois and David Smith.

Sharon was born in Jordan, Minnesota December 28, 1948. She attended state college for a time and went into the workforce before finishing her degree. While raising two small children on her own, she worked her way from an entry level job at a publishing company from receptionist to type-setter to graphic designer on her own accounts. She Left her job and ran her own successful graphic design firm through the 1980s and early 1990s. Towards the end of her graphic design career she started travelling around the world. She worked for a nonprofit that brought aid to impoverished communities. Sharon then went back to school and got a PHD in psychology. She became a therapist and had a private practice, worked in sexual health at the University of Minnesota, women’s mental health at Chrysalis, and as a contractor for the government working with soldiers and their families. Sharon became a talented quilter towards the end of her psychology career. She became a strong member of the quilting community. There are dozens and dozens of her quilts in peoples’ homes that she gifted. Sharon then discovered rug hooking. What started as a hobby became a passion and eventually a thriving business selling patterns and teaching classes around the country. She was happiest making new friends and meeting fellow hooking guild members. The same eye for design and color that made her a talented designer in print made her a talented painter, quilter, and rug maker. Sharon was strong willed, talented, and driven. She never let men dictate where she wanted her life to go. She visited over 90 countries, had multiple successful careers, and was a wonderful and generous grandmother. She will be missed, but her influence will last for generations.

We will not be having a service or visitation. Private condolences are welcome or a donation in memory of Sharon to https://anpetuwi.com/donations/anpetu-wi/?mc_cid=476b23d153&mc_eid=1f4aa6d3bc