Sharon Lee Fergus

Sharon Lee Fergus, age 76, passed away on July 28, 2025, in Richland, Washington, one day short of her 77th birthday.

Sharon was born on July 29, 1948, in Toppenish, Washington. Sharon spent her childhood in Toppenish, and graduated from Toppenish High School in 1966. She attended YVCC to study accounting until being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Never one to back down, Sharon overcame every obstacle, and entered the workforce. Sharon was a true wonder woman. She held various positions in sales, billing, and bookkeeping, all while maintaining her home. In her down time, Sharon was found sewing clothes and costumes, decorating homemade birthday cakes, attending sporting events/concerts and taking on leadership roles to support and raise funds for her children’s schools.

Sharon built a life rooted in love. She shared over 50 cherished years with her devoted husband, Don. They were married on February 23, 1976 in Yakima, WA. They lived in the Toppenish-Buena area before buying their first home in Zillah. Together they raised two daughters, who brought joy to their lives. Sharon was also a proud grandmother to 3 grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Sharon was a woman of many talents. As her children grew up, she found more time for hobbies and traveling. She found joy in sewing and quilting—crafts that reflected both her creativity and her care for others. She was active in her local quilt club, filling the role of president for two years, until health issues interfered. Her baking filled her home with warmth and comfort, especially at Christmas time, while scrapbooking allowed her to preserve treasured memories for future generations. She loved camping and traveling. Las Vegas and Hawaii were favorite destinations. She was always eager to explore new places and enjoy life to the fullest, even taking up the hobby of snowmobiling later in life. She enjoyed reading, growing plants, and playing games with family and friends. Above all else, Sharon cherished time spent with her family and close friends. These moments were the heart of her world.

Sharon is survived by husband Donald Fergus, daughters Cassandra Byers and Corinne Minton (Travis), grandsons Logan Byers and David Minton, granddaughter Catherine Minton, brother Richard Palacz (Ruth), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by infant daughter Shannon Burkhardt, mother and stepfather Ruth and Joseph Palacz, aunt Francis Hays, who was more like an older sister, close brother-in-law Dave Fergus and nephew Lucas Fergus.

Sharon’s legacy is one of love, creativity, zeal for life, and unwavering dedication to those she held dear. A viewing will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home, 607 2nd Ave in Zillah. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 also at Valley Hills Funeral Home at 10:00 am, followed by burial at the Zillah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association, the two charities that were the most important to her.