Obituary
Sharon was born on March 7, 1941, to Harold and Jessie (Beers) Gunderson in Portland, Oregon. She attended school in Sandy, participating in competitive artistic roller skating and playing clarinet in the school band. In 1957, she met the love of her life Gale Meier while attending Sandy High School.
During her senior year, Sharon won a full scholarship to Hollywood College of Beauty in Portland. She received her certification to become a beautician, working and managing for Red Sladkey at the Sandy Beauty Shop.
On August 13, 1960, Sharon and Gale were married at Pleasant Home Baptist Church. They were both 19. Together Sharon and Gale had four children: their first son Greg, who was born in 1963, their second son Rodd born in 1967 and twin daughters Pixie and Trixie born in 1970.
In the late spring of 1964, following the unexpected passing of Gale’s teenage sister, Sharon and Gale accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. During these years Sharon was active in the Christian Women’s Club, and as a youth group leader at Powell Valley Mission Covenant Church. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, and gardening and was a member of the Eastmont Lanes Bowling League.
In 1972, Sharon and Gale purchased 20 acres in Boring and built a house together, to accommodate their growing family; they also purchased a store that same year in Sandy that they named Sharon’s Pantry (where Ace Hardware is now) and owned and operated the store until they sold the business in 1982.
Sharon took her children to participate in many activities, including ice skating, 4H, dance and accordion lessons, sports, band concerts and church activities. Sharon also was an active room mother; the teachers and students enjoyed the treats she would make to share with them.
Over the years, Sharon and Gale welcomed several exchange students into their home, providing a safe and accepting place for them all while they studied abroad.
Sharon and Gale bought another business, Shorty’s Corner, in 1979. During the many years they owned Shorty’s Corner, Sharon also started the Shorty’s Corner Café where many people would enjoy dining and visiting. She also coordinated and organized cruise ins at Shorty’s Corner as well as participated in Route 26 Car Club cruise in activities.
Sharon enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and was especially proud of each of her 10 grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband Gale of 61 years, and children: Greg Meier, Rodd (Nola)Meier, Pixie (Jeff)Ulmen, and Trixie (Joe)Hall. Grandchildren: Michael (Angel)Meier, Tyler Hall, Jeremy Hall, Lexie Ulmen, Livy Ulmen, Luke Ulmen, Justin Hall, Nathan Meier, Emily Hall, and Ava Meier.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Jessie Gunderson and older brother Wally Gunderson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sharon’s name to the Sandy Kiwanis Club or to Powell Valley Church.
The family will be holding a private burial.