Sharon Ruth Schayes
December 06, 1939 - April 20, 2018
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Sharon Ruth Schayes
December 06, 1939 - April 20, 2018
Obituary
Sharon Ruth Schayes passed away peacefully on April 20, 2018, with her husband and children at her bedside. She was born in Los Angeles, CA on December 6, 1939 to William & Faith (Thorkildsen) Huthman. She grew up in Rosemead, CA, and she completed training to become a registered nurse at Cal State Los Angeles and at Los Angeles County General Hospital in September 1960. She worked as an ICU nurse there subsequently, which is where she met Milt Schayes as a young intern. A romance blossomed, and they were married on September 29, 1961. Milt finished a residency in orthopaedic surgery in 1965 after which they moved to Covina, CA where he practiced for three years. Their daughter Stephanie Alene was born in 1967, and in 1968 they relocated to Bellingham, WA where they have since resided. Their son Gregory William was born in 1979.
Sharon was passionate about environmental issues and sat on the board of the Whatcom Land Trust as well as being one of the YWCA Eco-Action group who spearheaded the development of Boulevard Park. She also sat on the boards of Mount Baker Planned Parenthood and a citizen’s advisory board to the WWU College of Fine and Performing Arts. She was a long-time member of Saint James Presbyterian Church where she held leadership positions.
She is survived by her husband Milt, her daughter Stephanie Alene Coon (Roger), her son Gregory William Schayes (Rebecca) as well as grandchildren Rachael Gaskill (Josh), Haley Davis (River), Josie Schayes, and Angus Schayes, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Bill Huthman.
A Memorial Service for Sharon will be held at Saint James Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 6, at 3:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to Mount Baker Planned Parenthood, or to Unity Care NW. Her family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the staff at Lakeside Gardens Adult Care Home for loving care during Sharon’s last four months.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: May 6, 2018 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: St James Presbyterian Church
- Location: 910 14th St Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
6 responses to Sharon Ruth Schayes
Shaun Sullivan says:
April 20, 2018
All through the years, such a lovely woman! And Milt, you are such a devoted husband and father. It was always a delight to see you and Sharon together, wherever you were, as you always seemed happy and at ease together through your long and loving marriage. I specifically remember seeing you both walk often along North Garden Terrace and it was very touching to see the care you gave each other on those walks. Blessings to Sharon in her transition, to you, Milt, and your entire family.
Laura Leigh says:
April 20, 2018
Sharon was my neighbor when I moved permanently to Bellingham in 1985. She was an enthusiastic defender of our environment and hooked me right in to the fray. We sat through numerous Planning Commission meetings together, aghast at the influence private attorneys wielded, she was determined we have the same influence as private citizens. She demonstrated courage, persistence, and a belief in doing the right thing for the long term health of our place on Earth. She will be missed but her determination will live on in all the people she has influenced.
Chris Kobdish says:
April 20, 2018
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Schayes family. I have known Sharon all 17 years I’ve lived in Bellingham. She was funny, warm. passionate, and hard working. The community is fortunate she was a big part of Bellingham.
Sibyl Masquelier says:
April 20, 2018
Dear Milton and children,I am so sorry to hear of Sharon Ruth’s death. I wish you light and consoling thoughts on her passing. Deepest Sympathy. ( I am Milton’s cousin from Mc Donald, Daughter of David)
Sibyl
Marv and Joan Wayne says:
April 20, 2018
For over 44 years your family has had a place in our family. From the “unscheduled” Sunday visits for breakfast, to the years of seeing our kids grow and have kids, life was that much more special because you were around. We will all miss you.