Sharon Wayne, 78

Thief River Falls - On March 15, 2024, Sharon Ann Wayne gracefully passed away in the comfort of her riverside home in Thief River Falls, surrounded by her husband, children and their spouses. Sharon was born on December 1, 1945 to Margaret and Howard Greenwald. She grew up in multiple places including Arizona and Minnesota, but most of her childhood was spent in Plummer, Minnesota enjoying time with her cousins. She graduated from Pershing High School in 1963. On December 28, 1963 Sharon embarked on a beautiful journey of love and partnership, as she was united in marriage to Rodney Wayne at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Plummer. Together, they ventured to California before returning to the Twin Cities in 1965, longing to be closer to family and the changing of seasons. It was in the Twin Cities that their three children were born. Seeking a different pace of life and the desire to be closer to family to raise their children, they eventually settled in Grand Plain Township in 1972, and there they began their farming endeavors, which lasted over 40 years. Sharon pursued a degree in accounting at Northwest Vocational College in Thief River Falls. Her career encompassed roles as a bank teller, bookkeeper, dedicated farmer, payroll accountant and mother. She played multiple instruments in school including the piano, guitar, and the organ at the Catholic Church in Plummer and in Goodridge. Sharon and Rodney were passionate travelers. They enjoyed road trips across almost all 50 states, cruises with friends Doyle and Sue Nelson, as well as unforgettable trips to South Africa and Amsterdam with her sister-in-law, Margaret Haddan. Sharon was willing to try anything at least once, including jet skiing, parasailing, horseback riding, and dune buggy riding. Her quick wit and sense of humor, often punctuated by hilarious one-liners, endeared her to all who knew her. Sharon’s laughter and light-hearted spirit brought warmth and joy to the people that loved her. Sharon is survived by her family: husband, Rodney Wayne; children, Tim (Bonita) Wayne of Hawley, Jeff (Tammy) Wayne of Dilworth, and Kimberly Meuret of Honolulu, HI; her grandchildren, Tyler Wayne, Jessica (Andrew) Neel, Brandon (Alyssa) Wayne, Kelsi Wayne, and Kari Wayne. The light of her life continued to shine through her great-grandchildren, Breckin and Braydin Wayne, Hallie Wayne, Rylan Neel, Jace Neel, and Daxton Neel. She is also survived by brother, Richard (Bonnie) Greenwald; brother-in-law, Charles Simpson; brother, Michael (Sandy) Greenwald; brother, Monte Greenwald; and brother, John (Mary) Greenwald; sister-in-law, Margaret (Micheal) Haddan; brothers-in-law, Jerry Wayne and John Wayne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sharon was reunited with her parents; sister, Jolayne Simpson; and her father and mother-in-law, William and Evelyn Wayne. Sharon was cherished by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She stood as a pillar of strength, a confidante, soulmate, best friend, and a partner to her husband of 60 years, Rodney Wayne, creating a legacy of love that will endure many generations. Mass of Christian Burial was held 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Craig Vasek officiating. Burial was held at Germantown Cemetery near Goodridge. Visitation was held Monday at 5 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. The family would like to thank all the staff at Hillcrest in Red Lake Falls that gave Sharon such good care during the 8 months she lived there, all the staff at Sanford that took care of her, and all the hospice staff that made her last couple of days as comfortable as possible. Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com. A00003B2024MR20