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BORN
1966
DIED
2017
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Dana Sharp Obituary
Jan. 15, 1966
April 9, 2017
Dana Lee Sharp, 51, died Sunday April 9th from a chronic debilitating illness. A beautiful woman of intense feelings and larger than life vivacity and energy, she leaves many circles of friends. Her closest was her mother, Mary Sharp, who died in 2006. Her special-needs Uncle Scott whom she cared for passed in 2014, and her beloved brother Ted who died suddenly last year. The love of her life was her son Blaine Michael Sharp. A natural and outstanding athlete, she was a top skier at Mt. Rose and Mammoth, an avid hiker, mountain biker, and swimmer, and loved adventuring and camping outdoors. Even as a small child she raced a two wheel bike her parents called "her little escape vehicle". She loved young children whom she taught for over 18 years at Alice Maxwell School in Sparks. Her travels took her to Alaska to compete in the Biathlon, watch the Iditarod, and ride the Inland Passage ferry; to Canada and Europe, and throughout the Western states. She was empathic and sensitive to troubled people, the environment, and animals, and volunteered to feed and befriend the homeless. She struggled for years with her illness, bravely trying many treatment paths. Recently she planned to write a book to tell the story of her life and help others who suffered. She is survived by her son Blaine; her father and stepmother Dave and Becky; her many cousins including: Elizabeth, Aaron, Rosie, and Pam; and all their families. She leaves many loving, loyal, and long time friends especially Fred, Tammy, Paula, and Ellie. A celebration of life for Dana will be held Sunday, June 4th at Tannenbaum Event Center at 1:00pm.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dana Sharp
Sponsored by Walton's Funerals & Cremations - Sierra Chapel.
Emanuel
August 20, 2025
Ms. Sharp I'm on here today because you crossed my mind. I'm upset and I'm sorry I didn't reach out sooner. I'm an uncle of 24 nieces & nephews and they have all heard of you. I told them all about my favorite teacher and how second grade at Alice Maxwell was the best school year Ever! I remember those white little furry puppies you spoke about. For those who read this, understand that my upbringing was very humbling. Ms. Sharp called my parents and asked for permission to take me out for some ice-cream. They accepted and we drove down greenbrae for some cones. While it was a short trip the gesture was grand!!
I'll never forget your welcoming smile, the amount of gummy worm candy you gave us, the attention and Love you poured in our life's. I love you Ms. Sharp. If and when our heavenly father allows me to be a dad, I promise I'll try to convince the mother to allow me to name one of our daughters after you. I promise.
I'll see you when I see you Ms. Sharp. I look forward to it.
Deana Wilson
August 19, 2024
Dana raised me as her own child. She was my member when I was six. She was like a mother to me. For years. She meant the world to me.
Yesenia
September 28, 2023
Miss. Sharp was my favorite teacher. She impacted me in many ways,
Jazmin Martin
September 28, 2023
Ms. Sharp was my 2nd grade teacher from 1998 - 1999. She was my favorite teacher and it breaks my heart to find out of her passing.
I remember making her a drawing of a whale with a heart with the words "I love Ms. Sharp."
She was truly the best teacher ever and she will forever hold a special place in my heart.
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April 4, 2019
I miss you
Susan Poss
June 7, 2018
Just thinking of you today Dana Banana!
Jacob Denning
April 28, 2018
love you sister!!!!
Susan Poss
January 13, 2018
Bless you my friend, may you be at peace now.
Dana Banana and Susan
Susan Poss
January 13, 2018
Dana Banana-
I think of you often and wished I could have helped you. You were such a great person and know how hard you struggled. We love you down here and hope you are still up in the mountains. That smile and friendship will be sorely missed. Love you lots-- "Ms. Poss"
Cynthia Hurd
August 17, 2017
I am unbelievably sad to hear of Dana's passing! I was an Adult Educator for the Disabled ( TMCC). Scott was one of my students. Dana often came to our evening class to check on Scott's educational/social needs. She was dedicated to Scott's success and happiness! She touched me with her concerns and enthusiasm for ensuring that her sweet Uncle Scott was receiving the best services available! I was blessed to be a helpful educator for Scott and for getting to know the beautiful and vibrant Dana.
Michael Fortado
July 31, 2017
Dana~
My heart hurts..
Yesterday I experienced the crazy coincidence of running into your family and Blaine at your house only to discover that you are no longer here on earth...
I have a feeling that you wanted for me to know and I'm Grateful.
Dana I'm so incredibly sorry..
I will never forget you and our silly goofy conversations in your kitchen while I was doing your hair..
I will forever remember your laugh and your forever being late to your appointments LOL..
Blaine is so incredibly handsome and I saw you in his eyes yesterday.
Guide him for the rest of his days with the wings that carry you today.
I love you Girl and I'll miss you terribly,
Miko~
Stan Lau
July 31, 2017
Rest in Peace Dana. You were my ski partner! It has and will be hard to ski without you! All the pictures you would take! Your Smile and Laughter! The way you Bombed the Mountain!
Laura Sharp
July 12, 2017
Laura Sharp
July 12, 2017
Susan Poss
July 11, 2017
May you fly with the angels and ski the mountains still my friend. You will be in my prayers!
Susan Poss
July 11, 2017
Susan Poss
July 11, 2017
Susan Poss
July 11, 2017
Susan Poss
July 11, 2017
More great times, Dana. I will never forget you!
Susan Poss
July 11, 2017
Susan Poss
July 11, 2017
Some photos I found! Love you Dana Banana!
Susan Poss
July 11, 2017
Awww my friend Dana Banana!!! I am sooo sorry to hear of your passing. I wish I had known sooner. You were such a great friend when I lived in Reno. You taught me how to ski. We had such great times together!!! I know your illness very well and how you struggled with it. I know all the struggles you went through. Mary your beloved Mother is with you now. I know when I look up into the sky you are holding her hand. Words cannot express the pain you went through. But, now my friend you are at peace. God and your family and mine too are with you. All the good times we had together will always be on my mind. I hope and pray that you know how many people you have touched in your life cut short. I will pray every day that you are now at peace. We love you, Dana Banana!!!! The slopes will miss you along with all the friends and family you were a part of! Love you lots Dana! Your friend, Susan:)
June 22, 2017
To the Sharp family, Mike and I just found out yesterday about the passing of Dana. Mike worked with her at Alice Maxwell School and she was always so friendly to us and our daughter Wendy who attended the school. We are just heartbroken for all especially her dear son. May The Lord comfort you as you struggle to find peace in your daily lives. Families are forever and you will see your dear Dana again. Prayers to all,
Sincerely,
Mike and Darlene Kleist
Kristi Z
June 4, 2017
Such a tragedy. You were loved by many. We were best friends in high school and had some crazy, fun times! I wish I could have helped you more. You are finally at peace. God is watching over Blaine as well as your beautiful family. I have never stopped loving you and I never will.
RIP. Love Always, Kristi Z.
.
The good ole days
Lila Barlow
June 4, 2017
Whitney Ramirez
June 2, 2017
Whitney Ramirez
June 2, 2017
Whitney Ramirez
June 2, 2017
Back in the day!
High school 1984
Whitney Ramirez
June 2, 2017
Magic Mountain
My Dana!
Whitney Ramirez
June 2, 2017
I will never forget you!
Bev Gisdke
June 2, 2017
My dear Dana. I have so many good memories of you which I will name a few.
I remember when you were maid of honor in my daughters wedding.
I remember the great time when 6 of us girls went to Hawaii. What a blast.
I was so happy you and your son came to our family reunion.
When you called me mom , you always made me feel so special.
I wish I could have been here for you in NV .
Your with God now safe and happy.
Love you honey
Joe Kurtak
May 23, 2017
I remember when Dana was born in Bishop, CA. Her mother Mary and father Dave were both mentors during my turbulant high school years in the 60s. Peace to you my friend.
John Adams
May 9, 2017
Dana,
Your soul still glows! I met you only once at Dave & Becky's, but your glowing soul touched me deeply. As Ms. Eckert said, you have impacted many and in such a blessed way!
Trigg Word
May 2, 2017
Dana : Rest In Peace
Dawna Bessey
May 1, 2017
Rest In Peace my friend!❤
Dawna Bessey
May 1, 2017
Dana was the sweetest person that I've ever known! She was a great friend! It makes me sad that she was dealing with personal psychological struggles for so long. You will struggle no more. You will be missed greatly! Dana may your soul Rest In Peace!!!
Much love your friend!!!
Dawna B.
Teresa Cortese
April 30, 2017
Dana You are deeply treasured in my heart ~and forever missed
the best female skier Ive known
if it wasnt for your friendship and meeting that day at Mt Rose in 2008 my path would have been altogether different
You have been missed and will be
but we will all honor your life and pray for Blaine
See you on the next turn and on my last chair
love to your spirit
be free butterfly
Fourth of July 2011
David & Toby Hoaglund
April 26, 2017
You touched a lot of lives with your zest for the outdoors. We will never forget the good times. We hope you have found the peace that you so deserve.
April 26, 2017
Sending my deepest condolences. Sincerely, Traci Sampson (SHS class of 83)
April West-Kieckhefer
April 25, 2017
Dana,
You were my ski buddy. It was 1994 and I rode a chair lift with you. We became fast friends. I came to your 2nd grade class and read to your kids. You were a teacher in every sense of the word. Those kids were so blessed that you saw the light in each of them. Your mom was such an incredible lady. The only good is I know you are together. I will miss hikes and sun on our faces but I know your spirit will live on with all of us.
Corrin Keck
April 25, 2017
Dana, we have missed your light, energy, personality and friendship for sometime as you struggled with your illness but we never stopped loving you and your beautiful spirit. I will always wish I could have done more to help you and Blaine. I know you are finally out of pain but it still hurts to know how difficult life became when it should have been the wonderful one you deserved.
Katlyn Yocum
April 25, 2017
Wow. If it wasn't for her teaching I would've never gotten into art and metal shop in high school. Her favorite animal was the Blue Whale Sparks has lost one of their best educators, and all of her past students will hold a special place for her in our childhood memories. RIP Ms. Sharp
Gene Ponsock
April 24, 2017
Dana,
Gene Ponsock, Was an avid friend, and loved you dearly.
LOVE YOU GIRL
Gene "Geno" Ponsock
April 24, 2017
I am sorry to hear this news...We went to School together...Dana was very kind....
April 24, 2017
Heartbroken by this news, may you be at peace. You were one of my best friends in elementary school will never forget the sleep overs, camping, horse riding and family time we spent together. God bless, you will be missed but never forgotten.
Love ya
Dorothy Coleman
Mimi Longballa
April 24, 2017
I am so sorry to hear this news ! It's been a long time since we saw each other but I always remember the days at Rose / Slide Mtn. I'll never forget you skiing the chair line under the NW lift, what form!! Ski the big mountains up there , be at peace , fly with the Angels!
Dana, you will always be close to my heart. I hope you are skiing endless Heavenly Powder (this photo was taken on a 4th of July in Mammoth {under chair 23} hiking to the snow that was left on Scotty's run.)
David Shapiro
April 24, 2017
Sheri (Fidler) Brown
April 24, 2017
Dana,
I will never forget your beautiful smile and your giggles. I will still wish you a "Happy Birthday" every year on our birthday. RIP
Sue Eckert
April 23, 2017
I am so sad to hear of this huge loss. All the fun times we had at Mt. Rose/Slide and our secret get-away place---Mammoth-- where we got to have more fun and got away with it all! The struggles are done and now you get to fly above us and laugh your rear end off at the silly insignificant things we waste our time on here on solid ground. RIP. You made a huge impact on so many. You will be missed.
Donnye (Maddox) Anson
April 23, 2017
Dana,I'm glad I got to see you at the High School Reunion,You are with the other Angeles, May you always be skiing in Heaven.
You will be missed.
Donnye(Maddox)Anson.
Chris Goodman
April 23, 2017
Dana, you were a wonderful friend in high school. Always smiling and cheerful. I know you'll be missed by many. Rest in Peace.
Eric Garcia
April 23, 2017
I still cannot believe that you are no longer with us! I have many fond memories of you during our time at Sparks High School. I am sad that this happened! You were a good friend and you will not be forgotten. I should chew some gum in your memory! Rest in peace, Dana! With Love! - Eric Garcia
At our Spark High School 30th high school reunion (July 2014)!
Eric Garcia
April 23, 2017
chuck
April 23, 2017
Christine Hill
April 23, 2017
I remember painting your stomach when you were pregnant! It was a beautiful round painting of hills, flowers, trees and a river with a beautiful sun. A good memory of a beautiful lady.
Laura Sharp
April 23, 2017
Dana, our lives were intertwined--for better or for worse. I knew the depth of your passions and the dark illness which took them all away. I loved you and was absolutely devoted to you, your brother and son. You meant the world to them and, for that simple fact, I put my head down and did the work. Your illness was overwhelming to those of us who were really close. I'll remember the good and forgive the rest, as I always promised. I'll be there for Blaine. It's what Mary asked me to do in her absence and what you and Ted would have truly wanted. Rest.
Derienne Carpenter
April 23, 2017
I am so Saddened by her passing. She was a friend all the way through Junior High, and High School. I am at a loss for words, those who know me well know this is basically a task that never happens, Right Tanya????
Dana,
Rest in peace, you put up quite a battle. Now no more debilitating ailments.
Stay Golden My sweet friend, Until we meet on the other side. God Speed.
Drucilla Davis
April 23, 2017
When Dana was young she and my niece, Julie were best friends. Dana took several trips with us to visit our family in Payson. She was a fun, beautiful, smart and very caring young woman and I know she never lost those qualities. She will be missed very much. RIP Dana.
Laura Birdsong
April 22, 2017
Going to miss the good times we shared inpast years. Still remember you bringing milk and ice cream when you would come to my house. What a special person you were. Rest In Peace pretty lady. I love you. Mom birdsong
Crystal Warrick
April 22, 2017
Dana I know we didn't see each other much after Kass switched classes, but I loved running into you around town...It was like time stood still. I will miss seeing your beautiful smiling face and your strong heartfelt Hugs but hope you will find your relief in the after life....
Stacy Fitzgerald
April 22, 2017
Dana your light will shine for all time! I was blessed to meet you in one of our education classes at UNR and count you as a dear friend from that day forward. Although we hadn't seen each other in a few years, I thought of you often- especially when skiing at Mt. Rose, exploring Nevada or hiking a beautiful mountain trail. Whenever I think of you I picture your beautiful smile and remember your infectious spirit. We were supposed to go hiking soon so I could show you my favorite places and hopefully some of my beloved Mustangs. Now when I see them I like to think you have brought them to cross my path and remind me of you! Rest In Peace and fly with the angels my friend! You will never be forgotten!!! ❤
Kymberly Starr
April 22, 2017
Oh Dana. A life taken to soon. May you finally be at peace my beautiful friend.
Lisa Jeakins
April 22, 2017
Missing you and cherish the time we had together. We haven't seen each other for a long time, but the time we shared together were some of the best in my life.
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