(From George Boom Funeral Home)
Sharon “Shari” Marie Johnson, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at her home in Worthington, MN, leaving behind a legacy of boundless love, unwavering resilience, and an extraordinary work ethic. Visitation with the family present will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Wake service beginning at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. Burial will take place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Memorials may be directed to The Banquet in Sioux Falls or Golden Paw Pet Rescue in Joplin, MO, in Shari’s name.
Sharon “Shari” Marie Johnson was born on November 3, 1936, in Pierre, South Dakota, to the late Leslie Roy Horton and Ruth Hausman, Shari was a fierce protector and provider for her family, dedicating her entire life to ensuring they had everything they needed.
Life was often a struggle for Shari, and she carried the profound weight of outliving many of those she held closest. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, and three of her children, Don, Doug and Darren. Despite the heavy grief of these losses, Shari took each sorrow in stride. She refused to let hardship harden her heart, choosing instead to lean into the faith and love that defined her. She continued to live out every day by what her family now calls her personal mantra:
BE KIND, HELP OTHERS and TRUST JESUS!
Shari’s life was defined by this industrious and faithful spirit. She entered the workforce at the tender age of 14 and never looked back, working continuously until her well-deserved retirement at the age of 85. In her early years, she did whatever it took to meet her family's basic needs, from taking in neighbors' laundry to ironing clothes late into the night. Later in life, she proudly earned her GED, leading her family by example and demonstrating that it is never too late to value education.
Throughout her long and prolific career, Shari wore many hats. She was a familiar, welcoming face in the food service industry, working as a waitress and restaurant manager at Perkins, Denny’s, Village Inn and The Nickel Plate. Her grit and dependability shone through as a newspaper carrier for the Argus Leader and USA Today, and as a dedicated factory worker at Litton, Austad’s, Campbell Soup, and JDS Industries. Driven by a deep compassion for others, she found great fulfillment later in life as a home care worker with CoxHealth, which served as her final place of employment before her retirement. Shari was a rare and deeply valued employee, widely loved and respected by every employer she ever had.
Above all, Shari was a true champion for the people and animals who were down on their luck. She was a solid rock of support for those around her, always far more concerned with the well-being of others than her own. She gave selflessly of herself to care for people—sometimes much to the chagrin of her late husband, Bob—because she simply couldn't turn away anyone in need. She was a dedicated giver to The Banquet in Sioux Falls. Her heart belonged especially to homeless pets. She could always be seen driving around with containers of cat and dog food in her vehicle, fully prepared for any stray animal she might encounter. With infinite patience, she would slowly gain their trust, rescue them from the streets, and safely deliver them to a no-kill shelter or a loving home.
Even in her final days, Shari’s selfless spirit never wavered. During her last week, she characteristically mustered every ounce of her remaining energy to look after others. She sat down to write a list of the last things she needed to do while on this planet, which included drawing design ideas for an upcoming shower for her daughter, paying off a veterinary bill for a friend's animal, and sending money to a friend in need.
Shari thoroughly enjoyed watching daytime soap operas. It was a favorite pastime that allowed her to visit with her friends, enthusiastically rehashing what happened and speculating on what drama was to come next. She looked forward to and saved up energy for nightly television viewing with Dan and Judy. This made conversations at the morning breakfast table very interesting, discussing the shows and the characters possible outcomes.
Though she spent her first 14 years in Pierre, South Dakota, Shari’s adventurous spirit and deep devotion to her family took her to many places she proudly called home. She also lived in Sioux Falls, SD, and Worthington, MN. Putting her family's health above all else, she moved them to Albuquerque, NM, to find a better climate for her son Doug and her husband Bob. Later, she moved to Joplin, MO, to care for her husband’s health and to be near their daughter. Everywhere she went, she left an indelible mark of kindness, determination, and strength.
The profound sacrifices she made to give her family a good life will never be forgotten. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her surviving family, friends, and the countless lives—both human and animal—that she touched along her journey.
Grateful for having shared her life are her four children, Dan (Judy) Johnson of Worthington, MN, Debbie (Vince) Pontillo of Joplin, MO, David Johnson (Jo Jean Schulte) of Overland Park, KS, and Duane (Tami) Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, David Tolle (Ruth Garcia) of Littleton, CO; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren.
Shari was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie “Roy” Horton and Ruth (Bryant) Holmes; husband, Bob; 3 sons, Darren, Doug, and Don; and brother, Gary.
