Sharon Darlene Howell Ross beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023 at her home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer. Sharon was born on September 18, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to the late Floyd and Nellie Howell and married Paul Anthony Ross. She was a descendant of the first African Americans to arrive in Utah, the Howell’s, Bankheads and Leggroans.

A graduate of South High School, Sharon also attended Salt Lake Technical College where she received her LPN and became the third African American nurse in the state of Utah providing medical service for several years at St Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Sharon departed Salt Lake City with her husband and their children for their first military assignment in Schwabach, Germany. While stationed in Germany, she worked as a Social Worker, for troubled and abused children.

Sharon was hired full-time at Deseret Mortuary, upon her return to Salt Lake City in 1983 where she served as the department head for the executive staff for over 25 years. Administrators, staff, and families all admired her humor and kind spirit. Sharon retired in 2010, at which time she and Paul took every opportunity to travel throughout the country and abroad, making it as far as Australia and Japan on their many cruises.

First and foremost, Sharon was a dedicated mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She is survived by her husband Paul Anthony Ross. She leaves to cherish her memory her five children Rebecca Gonsalves (Francis), Pete Ross (Tannia), Eboni Shephard, Shawn Ross (Traci) and Nakia Smith.

She was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her. Preceded in death by her lifelong best friend, her sister Annette Jennings.

Sharon lived an amazing life, full of adventure and joy.