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Sharon Kay Aho (nee: Williams), age 79, of Chisago City.

Loving wife, mom, grandma, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 11, 2024 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. 

Preceded in death by daughter Deanna; parents, Fred Williams and Helen Williams-Tonn; sister Evelyn “Punky” Pedrys; nephew Jeff Pedrys. 

Survived by loving husband of 61 years Ken; children; Nancy (David) Beckwith, Joseph, Mary, Erik (Michelle); grandchildren, Ian (Jessica), Elijah, Jacob, Nolan, Emmet; siblings, Dan (Jean) Williams, Judy Olson, Joe (Nancy) Williams, Phil Williams, Brad Williams; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Sharon grew up in Rainier, MN, a short walk from Rainy Lake. She loved growing up as a “Rainier kid,” swimming in Rainy Lake and spending time with her friends and siblings. Shortly after graduating high school, she married Ken and they began a more than 61-year journey together.  Initially living in Saginaw, Michigan, then returning to their home state of Minnesota where they raised their family. 

While you can take the girl out of Rainier, you cannot take Rainier out of the girl, so when Ken asked Sharon on which lake they should buy a cabin, her only response was "Where do you think?" There was only one answer, and it was of course Rainy Lake. Sharon loved spending summers at their cabin on Rainy Lake.

Sharon had many hobbies and interests that kept her busy. If Sharon was not having a conversation or telling a story to a friend or family member, she was reading a book or magazine, listening and singing along to music, working on a project like scrapbooking, creating photo collages, making creative gifts, playing board or card games, or researching family ancestry.  Sharon was a rock hound and would spend countless hours wandering the shores finding interesting rocks of all sizes and shapes to keep. Sharon loved animals, especially dogs, and birdwatching. The well-fed deer at the cabin will miss her.

Sharon was a deeply kind, warm-hearted, generous person who would have done anything to help those she loved. Everyone she met loved her and the genuine connection they shared.  Sharon loved her family immensely; especially her five grandsons who gave her tremendous pride and joy.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 3 with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 28005 Old Towne Rd, Chisago City. Interment at South Green Lake Cemetery, Chisago City. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org or Sharon’s Tribute page http://act.alz.org/ goto/SharonKayAho).

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