Sharon L. Clifton

Mom, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Born and raised in Colorado, she spent most of her life here. She lived a simple life, for the most part and was taught to work hard and be honest and kind. An incredibly bright woman, Sharon learned very quickly. Though she didn't have a taste for school, she was very educated in the ways of life. The rules were pretty basic. Work for your living, pay your bills, live within your means and laugh frequently. This is how she lived her life. Her spirit was vibrant and she was quietly generous. But the thing that inspired most people was her strength. She couldn't lift heavy weights or win many boxing matches. Her strength, came from within. She accepted the hand she was dealt with dignity, and never wished to burden others with any woes that came her way, be they emotional or physical. In her way, she protected the ones closest to her, which in honesty could be maddening. We would all try to imagine what she was thinking and feeling. Because if you asked her, she'd say, "I'm doing fine." But this was who she was, and we accepted and respected this trait. Sharon loved nature. The mountains were majestic and beautiful. The lakes she would fish, peaceful. In her healthier days, she spent many blissful hours enjoying God's art work, and her thumbs turned green when she found a passion for gardening. It was a rare season when her 'crops' as she referred to them, didn't produce well. One of Sharon's greatest loves was the love she had for animals. While watching a movie, she would cringe if it appeared the animal actors were hurt. Her comment would be something like, "Oh no! Is the dog okay?" Anyone who knew Sharon found out Quickly that she rarely minced words or walked on egg shells. She, 'told ya what she thought!" You may imagine that this aspect of her was unpleasant or crass. On the contrary, most folks found it to be endearing. Right or wrong, she spoke her mind. In the end, you'd walk away knowing, Sharon cared. She cared about your worries. She cared about your troubles. She cared about you. So now as you reflect on a personal moment or experience that you had with her, you will remember this truth: She left all of us with a smile on our faces and a song in our hearts. She died as she lived. With peace and quiet dignity. And a strength that few of us will ever know.

To share your memories of Sharon or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations may be made to "The Hangout" in Sharon's name.

The Hangout
P.O. Box 9542
Denver, CO 80209