Sharon Ann Parkin passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, July 20, 2014, after a short stint of pancreatic cancer.

Sharon was born on Oct. 13, 1938, in Albert Lea, the daughter of Chris and Arlida Venem. She attended rural country school and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1956. She worked at the Point restaurant for many years, and also the Hastings bus company.

Ed and Sharon were married Feb. 14, 1992. They celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary this year. She was a proud member of St. Phillips Church in Hastings. Sharon loved her horses and enjoyed riding and camping with Ed, her children and grandchildren. She and Ed loved to travel. She loved to quilt, garden and play cards, but mostly she loved spending time with her family and friends.

She will be greatly missed by her husband, Edward; her children Cheryl Tukua, Daryl Tukua, Christie (Dennis) Thurmes, Amber Tukua and daughter-in-law, Becky (Klem) Tukua; brothers Tom (Jeanne) Venem and Arnie (Mary Ann) Venem; also many special grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chris and Arlida Venem; twin brother, Ronald Venem; sister, Marlene Gray; her husband, Robert; infant brother, Ronald Venem; son, Jeffrey Tukua; and grandson, Robbie Wolterstorff .

Sharon was an incredible wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed.

A private service was held on July 26 at Wise Family Funeral Home in Hastings. Interment was at Lakeside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Juvenile Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society.