Surrounded by her loving family, Sharon Louise (Baumgardner) Hodgins died at her home, in Lake Tapps, on Sept. 14, 2018, after a battle with cancer.
She was born Sept. 22, 1945, to Ralph and Helen Baumgardner. Sharon always said she felt lucky to have such great parents. Her father, Ralph Jesse Baumgardner, was originally from Colorado, and her mother, Helen Irene Hollingsworth’s maternal grandmother helped found Satsop, Wash.
Sharon was raised in Aberdeen, Wash., graduating in 1963 from Weatherwax High School where she held the office of Class Treasurer, Girls’ State Representative, Senate member, Leaderette, Future Teachers, Pep Club, and French Club. During her early years, Sharon became the leader of a group of 21 girlfriends, gathered during grade school, junior high and high school, that shared many exciting adventures as they grew up together. About 13 years ago she helped them reunite and since then the Sisterhood of the SLUGS has been gathering at least once a year for several days of sharing fellowship, laughter and memories. Sharon will be missed by all her Sisters.
In 1967, Sharon earned a B.A. in Education from Western Washington State College. In total she completed seven years of college, taking courses mainly in Social Studies. Sharon taught French and Social Studies for thirty years at White River High School in Buckley, Wash. from 1967-1997. She was a member of the original team which negotiated one of the first Master Contracts for teachers in Washington.
Sharon met “the love of her life”, husband Bob (Robert Gene Hodgins) in April 1972, and they were married in December 1972. They were blessed with two daughters: Lisette Brim and her son Kaleb; Jerae Goldsby and husband Nate, and their children: Grayson, Alsea and Chelsea.
Being a Progressive Democrat and having an occasional letter or essay, usually on a political issue of the day, published in a local newspaper, was a great source of pride. For the last 10 years Sharon was a Friend of the Bonney Lake Library. She enjoyed music of all kinds, all things “French”, reading, family time, friend time, eating out, traveling, and belonging to two book clubs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Harry Baumgardner, Olympia, Wash.; a sister Bonnie Jean Martin, Goodman, Mo., and Bob’s parents, Vern and Wylma Hodgins of Sumner, Wash.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Bob, her daughters’ families, and many other cherished relatives. Sharon was the 78th of 81 first cousins who live mainly in Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to White River Community Scholarships, PO Box 609, Buckley, WA 98321 or to Western Washington University Foundation, 516 High St., MS 9034; Bellingham, WA 98225 — please direct donations to the French or History Departments.
A graveside service for the family was held Sept. 24, at the Sumner Cemetery. There will be a celebration of Sharon’s life for all friends and family on Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Kelly Farms, 20021 Sumner-Buckley Hwy. E. Bonney Lake, WA, 98391.
