Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Sharon Kesterson Obituary
SHARON GAIL KESTERSON
March 26, 1946 ˜ February 9, 2024
Sharon Gail Kesterson passed away peacefully in her Vancouver, WA, home with her family by her side, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
Sharon was born March 26, 1946, to William and Hazel Fornas in Astoria, OR; she was raised in Astoria with her sister and brother. After finishing Astoria High School (the Fighting Fishermen), she worked for the Astoria Job Corps in administration. While attending classes at Clatsop College-Astoria, she met a classmate from the neighboring town of Rockaway Beach, OR, (her future husband) Steve Kesterson, Courtship, marriage and then in the early 1960s, they moved to Vancouver, WA, where they had three wonderful sons and lived for the next 60 years working, boating, fun, animals and life.
Sharon was a transcriptionist for Clark County Courthouse, Juvenile Division. She was a color consultant, showcasing current trends, psychological and visual effects of colors for individuals and demographic statistics. She loved to travel and went on many cruises with her aunt _ from Hawaii and Alaska to Mexico and the Caribbean.
She loved her devoted husband, her family and friends, her precious animals, fashion, design, sparkles and life.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 60 years, Steve; their three sons, Terry Kesterson (Brenda) and grandsons, Cole and Adam of Puyallup, WA; Michael Kesterson (Lucas) of Vancouver; Gregory Kesterson (Janna) and grandsons, Peyton and Parker of Puyallup; her brother, William (Bill) Fornas of Astoria; and her aunt, Linda Ladzick (Rick) of Normandy Park, WA.
She was preceded In death by her parents, William and Hazel Fornas; her sister, Marsha Zalk; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, her precious Zipper and Sophie. A Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be at a later date.
We will miss her forever _ her grace, guidance, gentle manner, knowledge, and dedication to the love of her family.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests in her honor, if you choose, a donation to the Humane Society of Southwest Washington, 1190 N.E. 192nd Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684, 360-693-4746; https://southwesthumane.org
Arrangements are entrusted to Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 N.E. 112th Ave., Vancouver, WA, 360-892-6060. to share memories or to leave condolences for the family.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Kesterson
2 Entries
Michelle (Shelley) and Geoff Henderson
March 16, 2024
Dear Mrs K. I was one of a very lucky group of kids that grew up together on Lorry Avenue, and that was largely shaped by Mrs K's (Sharon's) soft spoken, kind and gentle presence. She was a lovely, gracious person, with a great sense of humour. I've lived overseas for many years now, and so don't get regular visits. But Mr and Mrs K always make time to catch up when I'm in Vancouver. I will always treasure memories of Mrs K in my heart. My heart goes out to you Mr K, Terry, Mike, Greg and all your families during this hard time.
I always knew I was welcome at the Kesterson's, it was like having a second home right down the street. I'm blessed by so many wonderful loving memories, over many years. The summers we'd camp on Government Island, and Mr and Mrs K would dock their boat just down the beach from us. Trick or Treating on Halloween. Birthdays. Playing out on the street on summer evenings, while Mom, Dad, Mr & Mrs K would sit talking.
It was tough to get in trouble with Mrs K, because she was so good natured with us kids. But I remember managing to do it a few times. She had this beautiful fuchsia in a hanging basket on her porch. The flowers would form and stay big and round before finally opening up. That always took ages, and I couldn't help but help the flowers along sometimes. I got a well deserved "Shelley!! You kids leave those flowers alone!" when she caught me at it.
Mom and Mrs K were very close friends, and so many times I can remember coming home from school to find Mom and Mrs K at the table with a cup of coffee. Or Mom would head out the door calling out "I'm going to see Mrs K!". They were always looking out for each other and all of us kids. I remember being mystified with how Mom knew I'd driven her 1965 Olds 442 one weekend when Mom and Dad were away. Mom never said, and I never asked Mrs K, but I have my suspicions. Looking back, growing up on a street with Mrs K and Mom as a team was the best sort of place to be.
Mrs K was such a great cook - her River Beans are still a favourite! I only need to get out my recipe cards to bring back memories, so many came from Mrs K. Her breakfast casserole and quiche recipes. Her Swedish hot cakes, almond bark cookies and cookie sheet cake.
When I was a teenager, Mrs K did my colours for me. She taught me about warm, cool, neutral and olive skin tones, and choosing complimentary colours for my skin tone. Despite being a fairly confident child, I remember feeling awkward as a teenager, like so many of us do. I remember talking with her about it for several hours. To this day I remember and appreciate the time that she took and how she helped to make me feel more confident at that gawky and challenging time of a person's life.
I also remember going to speak with Mrs K about deciding to move to Australia, and appreciated her listening ear and words of advice.
I feel so blessed to have had her in my life, and I will miss her very much.
How you can show support
Sharon Bue Garabedian
February 24, 2024
Sharon and I grew up together in Astoria. We both had the middle name Gail but mine was spelled Gayle. I am happy to know she had such a wonderful life. Sharon Gayle Bue Garabedian
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Sharon Kesterson's name
Memorial Events
for Sharon Kesterson
Funeral services provided by:
Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684
People and places connected with Sharon
Vancouver, WA
The Columbian
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Sharon's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sharon Kesterson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
