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Sharon Ayres Obituary

SHARON ANN AYRES August 31, 1941 July 15, 2020 Sharon passed away on July 15th in her Kennewick, WA home of 15 years one short year after losing her husband and soulmate, David, to cancer. She was 78. Sharon grew up in Southern California, and as the oldest of five children, assumed responsibilities at a young age, preparing her for an early start on adulthood. At the age of 18, right after graduating from Huntington Beach High School, she married John Hughes and had her first son, Eric. A couple of years later, she divorced and was remarried to Richard Ayres, and together they raised Eric, along with Richard's two children from his previous marriage (Cathy and Rich) and had a son of their own, Bruce, in 1964. In 1977, at the age of 36 and with a house full of teenagers, she pursued -- and 2 years later completed -- a nursing degree from Golden West College. In her forties, Sharon started an entirely new and rich chapter in life, marrying her longtime friend, David Bergland (1984), earning a Bachelor's in History from UC Irvine (1988), and topping off her lifelong commitment to the Libertarian Party by managing their 1996 presidential campaign. In 2004, after living her entire life in California, Sharon moved to the Tri-Cities, with David, to be closer to their soon-to-be- born grandson. Sharon enjoyed afternoons with her family at the Meadow Springs pool, walks along the Columbia river, tasting at the local wineries, and probably most of all, her 6 years with the Tri-Cities Tappers, with whom she performed dozens of times. Sharon is survived by her two sons who she often described as her "best work." She is also survived by two sisters (Rory and Jamie), two brothers (Duncan and Doug), five stepchildren (Cathy, Rich, Tani, Jona, and Brenda) and two grandchildren (Aidan and Logan). Later this year, family and friends will fulfill Sharon's and David's wishes by scattering their ashes together off the shores of Huntington Beach. In the meantime, please join us in sharing memories of Sharon by visiting Legacy.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tri-City Herald on Aug. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Dr Rudolph & Mrs. Dorothy Baldoni

September 17, 2020

Sharon and Richard, Dorothy and I were close friends since the early sixties until their divorce. Our sincerest condolences to Eric, Bruce and all of their respective families and friends of this accomplished and remarkable Lady.

Mary Albin

August 26, 2020

So sorry to read of Sharon's loss. She was a wonderful TriCity Tapper friend to me, and also a really great Tap dancer! I was always amazed how quickly she picked up the routine of our dances. When she was new, I remember reminding her that she was new, and how could she possibly already dance what she did????! Besides being a quick study, she also perfected her rhythm of the dance. She would come a little early to class and work on her natural talent, and then also retrieve the top hats and canes from the closet for Kim (the leader) to get set up for class. And just as much as being a great dancer, Sharon was a good and kind person. I always liked some of the interesting "takes" she would say about things that came up regarding our Tap happenings. She had a great sense of humor. She always supported the other dancers too. I was touched this last year when she was failing in health, she and a caregiver came to the studio to visit the TC Tappers. That expressed how much she still cared about her time in the Tap experience, and being with us. Without a doubt, she's tapping and dancing with Kim (passed away July 2019) and the Angels now. I can only imagine the SHOW they are putting on up there !!!!!
love, Mary A from Tap

MaRene Luckey

August 22, 2020

I am privileged to have known such a gracious lady. My heart tells me she tap danced her way up to heaven to meet up with David again. Peace and comfort to her family.

Marci

August 21, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Brenda Bergland

August 21, 2020

Sharon and my stepbrothers have been a part of my family for as long as I can remember. We had some great times growing up. Sharon and my father were made for each other. They lived a good life. They did what they wanted went where they wanted and enjoyed it all.

Cheeta Dolven

August 21, 2020

Sharon will always be in my memories as a sweet, Classy lady. I loved having her as a neighbor

Susan Ayres

August 21, 2020

Susan & Bruce

August 21, 2020

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