Sharon Shoulders

Sharon Shoulders, wife of world famous rodeo cowboy, Jim Shoulders (deceased), passed away on January 30, 2021. Sharon was steadfast in her support and encouragement of Jim through winning 16 World Championships. She also co-founded the Jim Shoulders Rodeo Company and ran the J Lazy S Ranch in Henryetta while Jim traveled to rodeo. Raising 4 children while running the ranch was all in a day's work for her. Later in her ranching career, she started one of the first Salorn herds in Oklahoma and was active in pioneering the heightened awareness of the lean beef movement. Along with her lifelong friend, Donna McSpadden, they founded the HANDS group, an organization helping other women in the rodeo world with the personal challenges of raising a family and being alone due to the nature of rodeo life. An early supporter and advocate of the Professional Bull Riding Association, she was honored with the creation of the "Sharon Shoulders Award", given annually to the wife of a bull rider who demonstrated grit, determination and goodwill for her community. She lead the Rodeo Historical Society for several years, served on the board of the Oklahoma Historical Association and was a pillar of the First United Methodist Church of Henryetta, serving in almost every capacity over the years. Although her husband, Jim was the one who was often quoted "I'd rather be in jail in Oklahoma than free anyplace else", Oklahoma was lucky to have the California girl become an Okie transplant who wouldn't have lived anywhere else.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Jim and daughter, Jamie.

She is survived by her brother, Jon Heindselman; children, Marvin Paul and his wife, Lori, Jana and her husband, Robert Soza, Marcie and her husband, Joel Roth; grandchildren, Dana, Justin and his wife, Kim, James, Rob, Patty, Ellie, Buzz, Grace, Derek, Ashton, Langley and Logan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the First United Methodist Church, 1212 Lake Road, Henryetta, OK 74437 or the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 or at www.justincowboycrisisfund.org

At Sharon's request, the casket will remain closed with be no public viewing, visitation or immediate funeral service. Because of the dangers and restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic this was her wishes for everyone to remain safe and no chances taken for her service. Burial will be private in New Sonora Cemetery with immediate family only.

A public memorial service will be held as soon as it is safe at the First United Methodist Church in Henryetta. Arrangements are under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.

An Online Guestbook is available at http://www.integrityfuneralservice.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tulsa World from Feb. 2 to Feb. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Shoulders

Sponsored by Integrity Funeral Service - Henryetta.

2 Entries

Melinda Hendrix, Ammons

February 6, 2021

I was so sorry to hear about Sharon Shoulders passing away. My mom maiden name was Shoulders, and she often wondered while she was still alive if Jim Shoulders was any kin to us. Through Ancestry found out Jim was her 3rd cousin. My Uncle Jim Shoulders received a call one time when he was still alive, stating their name was Jim Shoulders from the Rodeo's. My Uncle thought it was a prank call and hung up. My Cousin, that her maiden name was Shoulders, said she had met Jim at a Rodeo, and they had talked and found they were kin but forgot which great grandpa it was through. I started with Jim's Dad and went backwards tracing. Found out Judge Thomas Shoulders (Jim's 2nd G. Gpa) and Alexander J. Ben Shoulders (my 2nd G. Gpa) are brothers and their dad was: Cader Shoulders. Cader was both Jim and mine 3rd Great Grandpa. I would of loved to have talked to Sharon, and find more out about her and Jim. My prayers are with the family and friends. God Bless. Yours Truly, Melinda Ammons

Wanda Ridley

February 3, 2021

I was saddened to hear of the loss of your mom Marvin Paul. I knew you the best in the family but I had great visits with your mom at the finals in Oklahoma City. She was just such a beautiful lady inside and out. It´s hard to believe so many years have gone by but I will be 68 in November, my brother and he passed away nine years ago so I I am the only child left. My mom is going on 92 still very healthy and she loved all the years she secretary rodeos in our area. I think she secretary Deadwood 50 years. Well God bless all of you it´s been a rough year and I know your mom will rest in peace. Your friend Wanda

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