Sharon Lee Orchard

Sharon Orchard passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at Walla Walla General Hospital. She was surrounded by her children, many grandchildren and her husband of 54 years. She is now resting peacefully with two of her sons, Blaine and Brian.

Born in the Walla Walla Valley on October 16, 1940 to Dale N. Baker and Gertrude Nelson Baker, Sharon was raised amongst a very large extended family. Bill McKinney played a prominent role in her life as a father. As a young child, Sharon was involved in tap dancing, junior Walla Walla Wagonettes and 4-H. Upon graduating as the last class of St. Patrick's High School (now known as DeSales) in 1958, Sharon and Willis V. Orchard married on May 16, 1959 in Salinas, California on their way to Germany and life in the U.S. Army.

Nearly two years later and a toddler in-tow and one on the way, they returned to Walla Walla and began a life of doing what was most important to her; raising a family and creating a legacy that continues to grow today. Sharon and Willis not only expanded their own family, but were very involved in foster care, and taking in young, unwed mothers. Sharon's love for people and family and her deep generosity never lessened throughout the ups and downs of life. She was outgoing, loved all people and was always cheerful and encouraging. Their family grew to a perfect dozen (6 boys and 6 girls) of which she was so very, very proud of. Sharon was a devoted and nurturing mother, and believed in keeping the family home a place of love, support, encouragement and laughter. She involved her family in 4-H, the Walla Walla Swim team, and school sports.

After 18 years of family life in a family homestead just 6 miles north of Walla Walla, a fire consumed the house and Sharon and Willis relocated to Prescott. Sharon loved country living, gardening, family picnics, raising farm animals, family genealogy, visiting others and simply spending time with family and friends. She was an avid lover of books, yard sales, thrift stores, and the County Fair, where she could sit for hours and visit with so many people, family and friends. But always, her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were to her what mattered most in life. Through her love and nurturing, she taught her children the true meaning of love and compassion, patience, inner strength, and genuine care.

In most recent years, Sharon and Willis have been living in Walla Walla. Their home has always been a hub for all to pop in at, at any given time. Sharon truly enjoyed spending time at the Odd Fellows Home as a volunteer, and loving on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always felt like the perfect way to spend the day was to be rocking a child.

Sharon was preceded in death by her two sons, Blaine (Walla Walla) and Brian (Mississippi); and a brother, Frank McKinney. She is survived by her aunt, Lois York (Walla Walla) step mother, Rena Baker (Milton-Freewater), sister, Kathy Satack (Tacoma); her husband, Willis, at home, and her children: Scott (and Vicki-Coeur d’ Alene, Id), Bill (and Sherry-Walla Walla), Debbie Orchard (and Brenda-Pasco), Chris Patrick (and Todd-Glenwood Springs, Co), Beth Rowlette (and family-Walla Walla), Lisa Wolf (and family- Walla Walla), Henderson (and Joeleen-Walla Walla), Kelton (and Clorissa-Pasco), Sarah Orchard (and family-Walla Walla), and Amy Orchard (Walla Walla). Sharon also has 22 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Sharon also leaves behind B.J. Hernandez, a close family friend, and her dearest friend, Sherry Norman, who gave to her strength, encouragement and much laughter through many of life’s challenges, throughout the last thirteen years. Sharon will be missed tremendously, but she now rests peacefully with her sons, and the large extended family that passed on before her

The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Orchard Memorial Fund through the funeral home.