Sharon Bennett

Our dear mother, Sharon Paulus Bennett, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2016, in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 81. Sharon was born March 9, 1934, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Olga "Toni" Gustafson and Edward A. Paulus. She grew up there alongside her older brother, Bob, and attended public schools, graduating from Idaho Falls High School in 1951. During her youth she was involved with the Methodist Youth Fellowship and Job's Daughters, in which she held the office of Honored Queen. Most weekends were spent with her family at the home of her maternal grandparents on Sunnyside Road. Mom had a small group of devoted friends growing up, not the least of which was her adored mother, who clowned around with all the girls as if she was in high school herself. She instilled her daughter not only with a beautiful and enduring sense of humor, but a graciousness and class that she carried with her always. Inspired by her high school art class, Mom pursued the field of interior design. After two years at the University of Idaho in Moscow, she moved to Seattle, Washington, to gain some practical experience, which whetted her appetite for continued study. Further education was obtained in Chicago, Illinois, and included many field trips to design centers and factories around the country. After leaving Chicago in the late 1950's, she worked as an award-winning decorator in Berkeley, California, for several years. One of the highlights of Mom's life at this time was the opportunity she had to travel for work and pleasure, including two months spent sightseeing with her mother in Europe. On December 31, 1963, she married James C. Bennett, a veteran and businessman from her hometown. Their honeymoon included moving her out of California. They lived for several years in Pocatello, Idaho, where they were both employed. In 1969, when her son was born, she retired from her career to become a full-time Mom. Later they had the opportunity to purchase her grandparent's beloved former home in Idaho Falls where they remained for 32 years. During this time, in addition to several wonderful vacations with her family and staying involved with the school activities of her children, she joined various civic and social clubs. Key among these was her membership in PEO and PFLAG, organizations for which she cared deeply. Mom was also active in The First Presbyterian Church and served as Deacon and Elder for many years. As a couple, their community involvement provided them both with many close friendships in their later years. As she approached 70, Mom began showing signs of her coming dementia, a near certainty that terrified her, but which she handled with as much grace as she could. Giving up their home, Dad ultimately became her devoted and full-time caretaker, often referring to her as his bride and treating her with absolute love and compassion. He passed away on the morning of their 50th wedding anniversary. For the last two and a half years, Mom has been in the care of The Gables of Ammon and Hospice of Eastern Idaho, both of which offered the continuity of care she had received at home and for whom we are eternally grateful. Sharon is survived by her son, Craig, of Seattle, Washington; her daughter, Lori (Miles Johnson) Bennett, and her three active grandsons, Luke, Cole and Jake, all of Meridian, Idaho. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church, 325 N. Elm Street, Idaho Falls. Visitation will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, and for one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church at the above address, or to PFLAG, P.O Box 52242, Idaho Falls 83405.

Funeral Services will be held