Sharon Lee Villanueva

1936 - 2025

Meridian - Sharon Lee Brubaker Villanueva, 88, of Meridian, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 surrounded by her four children and being showered with their love.

Sharon was born October 14, 1936 in Payette, Idaho to her beloved parents, Bernice and Raymond Brubaker. She was the 2nd of 7 children having 2 brothers, Mike and Pat, and 4 sisters, Shirley, Carol, Cathy and Terry. Sharon loved growing up with her large family and shared so many happy, fun times with them. Sharing so many wonderful times with her siblings, their families, her nieces and nephews whom she adored sealed the family bond that lasted her lifetime and was the reason family meant everything to her throughout her life.

Sharon attended school in Emmett where she met so many dear friends and had so much fun being involved in many activities. High school is where this beautiful cheerleader and Sweetheart's Ball Queen met her football star quarterback and love of her life, Tony. They graduated from Emmett High School in 1954 and became husband and wife in a double ceremony alongside Sharon's sister, Shirley and husband, Ed, on September 10, 1954. Tony and Sharon's union lasted 67 years on this earth and now will continue in eternity.

Sharon then attended Nampa Business College where she graduated and began a long career for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company. She worked as a trainer flying around from place to place training new employees until ultimately becoming a Supervisor and eventually landing back in Emmett where she finished her career. She worked in many locations over the years in Idaho, Nevada and Oregon as she transferred when needed following Tony in his career. She gained so many lifelong friendships and enjoyed her work. She even became the voice a person heard when they "reached a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service".

Sharon's truest form of happiness came in her four children, Tony Jr., Angela, Teresa and Michelle. Sharon spent her life attending their sports, school functions and every family occasion, being their biggest cheerleader. Her love for her children was evident in everything she said and did. The thrill of her life was her family! She loved every holiday because it meant bringing all the family together and that meant love, laughter and lifelong memories! The stories were endless; the laughter loud and her heart always full.

Being a mom was the role she absolutely loved but being a grandmother made her over the moon. What a grandmother she was too, spoiling her grandkids with a freezer full of every ice cream treat and snack a kid could want; no grandchild ever wanted to leave Grandma Sharon's house. She had such a special bond with each and every one of her 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren in a way that has blessed them forever.

Sharon lived 57 years with MS and she faced each day with gratitude, grace and love. Her example of how to face tough things and yet find every reason under the sun to have a smile so huge it lit up the room was who she was each and every day. She taught all of us around her what an angel on earth looks like. She lived a life we all can only strive for as she was an incredible soul. She had so much love inside her that poured out to everyone she ever met. She was the sweetest woman you could ever know and loved without limit.

Sharon is survived by her son, Tony Villanueva (Cindy) and grandchildren, Tony and Mandi; daughter, Angela DeGrange and grandchildren, Mike, Michelle and Joe; daughter, Teresa Villanueva and grandchildren, Shawn, Kristin and John; daughter, Michelle Judy (Steve) and grandchildren, Taylor, Peyton and Spencer; 12 great grandchildren, Savanna, Mya, Tyson, Eloy, Lexi, Jordyn, Landry, Braxton, Rowan, Vinny, Benji and Hayes; her brother, Mike (Dixie); her sisters, Cathy (Gary) and Terry (Kerry), plus many nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tony; her parents, Raymond and Bernice; sisters, Shirley and Carol; brother, Pat; and grandparents, uncles, aunts, and her in-laws, Jose and Marie.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on September 18, 2025 at Potter Funeral Chapel with a Rosary taking place at 6:00 PM during the viewing. Sharon's Celebration of Life will be held September 20, 2025 at the Cool Water Event Center in Emmett starting at 4:00 PM with dinner and desserts from Sharon's Sweet Shop being served after. We ask you to wear pastel or bright fun colors as she lit up every room, so we plan to light up her final room with bright, beautiful colors!

If you are unable to attend, the Celebration will be livestreamed on Sharon Villanueva's obituary page at www.potterchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Tony Villanueva Memorial Golf Tournament fund that awards scholarships to valley high school students which mom wanted set up in his honor to help kids go to college. Send checks to the above 501(c)3 non-profit at 4078 N. Breeze Creek Way, Meridian, Idaho 83646.