Sharon Ann Romine

Sharon Ann Romine of Linden, AZ moved on from her earthly existence on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 9:40 AM. She was surrounded by her loving family, in a home she dearly loved.

Sharon was born in Long Beach, CA on January 24, 1949, to Marjorie and Ray Saylor. Ironically, Ray was in the Navy, something that Sharon always found amusing given their last name. And she found it even more amusing when she herself began working for the Navy in 1967.

Sharon met her husband, Randell (aka Del), in 1970 and they began dating because she liked his “swagger.” Per Sharon, that “swagger” disappeared when he took off his gun belt (he was in the Border Patrol), but she liked him enough to continue their courtship despite that. They married on April 13, 1972.

Quite the “California/City Girl,” she evolved a bit when Del took her camping on the White River Apache Reservation. What was supposed to be a 3-day camping trip turned into a 10-day trip, with Sharon being the one requesting the extension. This came as quite a surprise to Del, and truthfully, to Sharon as well.

Sharon grew to love camping – in a trailer, because she had to have her “creature comforts,” which included a butane curling iron. And while she loved camping, she loved fishing even more. At times, her fishing endeavors bested those of Del, who grew up fishing! And there were MANY instances when Sharon would brave the rain, and risk ruining those butane-created curls, for a chance to hook a beautiful rainbow trout.

Sharon met Del while working as a waitress at a coffee shop called “The Valley Shadows,” in San Ysidro, CA. Throughout her lifetime, she held a variety of positions, ranging from a legal secretary for immigration attorneys to an elementary school librarian. But the job she took the most pride in, and probably the one that caused her the most stress and gray hair, was that of “Mom.”

Sharon was “Mom” to Lisa and Kristi and took that job seriously. But not too seriously. She was fun-loving and silly and would have the radio on instead of the morning news as they got ready for the day. Some of what she would sing and dance to included Hall & Oates, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, The Pointer Sisters…and then in the 90s…Billy Ray Cyrus. Singing about his “Achy Breaky Heart” made her feel anything but “achy.” Or “breaky.”

Sharon was extremely creative and crafty. When Lisa and Kristi were young, she would often pull “all-nighters,” or close to it, to create the “perfect birthday cake.” When it came to Sharon’s creativity, she would have an idea in her mind, and be able to execute it in the exact manner she envisioned, whether it was a diorama, science experiment and presentation board, or wedding décor and centerpieces.

Sharon and Del resided in Chula Vista, CA from 1974 until October 2012, when they said “Adios” to the crazy city life and “Howdy” to a quieter one in Show Low, AZ. Although Sharon missed her family, she loved the “peacefulness” her mountain home provided. She enjoyed sitting out on the porch and sipping coffee with Del in the mornings, celebrating bringing tomatoes to life, and hearing the wind whisper through the treetops.

Sharon was goofy, opinionated, and feisty. She was also warm, loving, and compassionate.

Her presence will be missed by all who love her. Whose lives were made better in some way…because of her.

Sharon is survived by her husband Del, daughters Lisa and Kristi, grandchildren Kaitlyn and Milo, great grandson Omari, sister Susan, multiple nieces and nephews, and 4 dogs.

And a few more “fun facts” about Sharon:

She loved her family. Her dogs. Ms. Pac-Man. Paul McCartney. And baby powder.

If you’re looking for ways to honor Sharon, please choose one or all of the following:

• Call a family member or friend and tell them you love them, just because.
• Sing and/or dance with carefree abandon to your favorite song, whether someone is or is not watching/listening.
• Donate (monetary or items of need) to the White Mountain Humane Society in Sharon’s name
o Monetary: https://hswm.org/donate-1
o Wish List: https://hswm.org/wish-list