Shari Maria Entrikin

Shari Entrikin passed away in peace, surrounded by the love of her family, on September 14, 2022, in Walla Walla, WA. She was 48 years old.

Shari was born in Walla Walla on October 6, 1973, to Robert and Maejul Gannon, joining older brothers Shawn and Shad.

Raised in Walla Walla, Shari attended Assumption School and DeSales High School. After high school, Shari continued her education at Pacific University, where she studied social work and Spanish. She graduated in 1995.

During college, Shari studied abroad in Ecuador. She returned to Ecuador after graduating to further her cultural exploration. Seeing other parts of the world was important to Shari, and she wanted to do that with her family. She and Jay vacationed in Europe before the boys were born.

Later the whole family enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Hawaii, and many parts of the west coast. The Entrikin European Vacation was always in the works; however, it will now happen with one less traveler.

After college, Shari lived in the Portland area and met the man she called her “perfect balance,” Jay Entrikin. They shared a love of music, food, traveling, and entertaining. They married on July 21, 2001.

In 2003 the couple welcomed their first child, Sean. Rudy was born the next year, in 2004. Nothing was more important to Shari than her family; Shari described these three men as being her whole heart.

The family moved to Walla Walla in 2004. Upon returning, Shari worked for a time at L’Ecole No 41 Winery. In 2009 Shari began working at Children’s Home Society in the Early Head Start program. Over the years, Shari became a pivotal and prominent leader at the local CHSW office. As a teen, Shari knew she wanted to work in the social work field; working with and supporting community families through CHSW programs fulfilled her career goals.

Shari is a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and cat lover (especially Rocky!). Shari didn’t want this to be filled with flowery language. She wanted something efficient. The thing is, Shari was flowery and full of color. She had a zest for life that was contagious. She prided herself on her hosting and entertaining skills and knew how to mix a mean cocktail. What she wanted most was for people to have fun and enjoy themselves. Shari loved to dance. She loved music and saw live performances whenever possible. Shari lived for summer heat; the hotter, the better. She made her own Kombucha, becoming a mother to many mothers, and encouraging others to join her in the practice. She experienced only a few epic kombucha explosions.

Shari was preceded in death by her brother Shad. She leaves behind her husband, Jay; sons, Sean and Rudy; parents, Bob and Maejul Gannon; brother, Shawn (Shonda); nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Those who were fortunate to know her and love her will carry her in our hearts always.

The family would like memorial contributions made to the Shari Entrikin Memorial Fund through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.