Sharon MILLAY

Sharon Millay, age 81, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 30, 2022. She is survived by her two daughters: Brenda Millay-Mai (Kevin Mai), and Lisa (Paul) Agather; 4 granddaughters: Millayna (Jeremy) Klingback, Terra (Corey) Scanlan, Samantha Agather, and Jessica Agather; and 7 great-grand children.

Sharon was a very accomplished woman. During her lifetime she influenced thousands of people. After graduating from Eastern State College in 1966, she taught at Mead Sr. High School for 26 years, teaching psychology, anthropology, and sociology. She also created and taught a class called, Women in Society. Sharon achieved her Master's Degree in Psychology in 1972. After retirement, she went on to substitute teach at the elementary level for the Mead School District; her favorite age at that time being the kindergarteners. During her time at Mead, she participated on many committees. Sharon was an instructor at Whitworth College the Fall of 1975 and Spring of 1976; an instructor at Eastern Washington University 1989 and 1990; an instructor through the Heritage Institute/Antioch University online program from 1988-1993; and organized and taught a part-time summer day-school program at the American Indian Center in Spokane. From 1993-1994, Sharon was a Consultant and worked with Sunset Elementary School an Ellensburg High School in their restructuring efforts.

Sharon belonged to many organizations. She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, and was an NEA Representative from 1991-1992. From 1987-1998, she was a lifetime member of the Washington State Education Association and was in the Leadership Training Cadre, a Trainer WEA Leadership Academy, and a Training Team member. She was also a lifetime member of the Mead Education Association (MEA). She became President of the MEA from 1990-1991, and then the Bargaining Spokesperson from 1991-1992. She was a lifetime member of the American Association of University Women. She was the Women's Issues Chairperson from 1976-1977, and was Representative to the Washington State Women's Conference in 1977. Sharon was also proudly a part of the Equal Rights Amendment Coalition from 1976-1978, and became the Vice-President in 1978.

She also had a small business called The Gift Box at Fairwood Shopping Center. It had been one of her dreams to own a small business. She learned how to run her business and especially enjoyed the buying trips to stock it. Because of Sharon's taste and style, her business was successful.

Sharon was never one to just sit around. Throughout her life, she had many hobbies and activities. She was a Girl Scout Leader/Camp Counselor, and an Avon Representative. Sharon participated in a bowling league, loved to cook, bake, tole paint, sew, paint ceramics, do needle craft, and dabbled in writing short stories. She was an avid reader and owned a fine and varied collection of books. She loved to do Word Search puzzles, and was a sharp and worthy opponent in Scrabble. Sharon loved to travel with family, going to places like China, Italy, France, Hawaii, and taking various cruises. She would spend countless hours putting photo albums together, making sure to make notations and add dates to each picture. Another favorite pastime was to play the Buffalo slot machine at Northern Quest. She and Gary also enjoyed many memorable trips to Las Vegas.

Sharon enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to swim in the pool with them, read to them, and teach them how to make Christmas cookies. She and Gary would often attend activities that the kids were participating in such as sports, music programs, talent shows, Girl Scout events, etc. They also enjoyed baby sitting as needed.

Sharon taught us the importance of family and she was the matriarch of the family. Through her actions we learned how to support and love each other. Sharon made sure to spend time with her maternal grandmother Lucille, her paternal grandmother Frieda, and her mother Harriett, especially at the end of their lives when then needed help as their health declined. Sharon devoted a lot of time to documenting our family history and kept in touch with distant relatives. For several years, she and Gary planned the Millay-Ross family picnic reunion. When their turn was finished, it was taken over by the Ross family and held on their property in Chewelah, WA.

Three years ago, after her husband, Gary, died, Sharon moved into a mother-in-law apartment in Brenda and Kevin's home. There she was able to spend time with Brenda and her family. Covid-19 was a very isolating time for everyone and Sharon really missed being close to all of her friends and family.

Sharon will be dearly missed by us and we will cherish our memories of her.

A celebration of Sharon's life will be Saturday, August 27th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at Northern Quest Casino. Sharon loved bright colors, especially blues and pinks. We encourage you to wear something colorful to honor her memory.