Sharon McCollom

Sharon Lorraine McCollom, age 76, passed away at Benefis Teton Medical Center, on October 15, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 4, 1943 in Conrad, MT to Ed and Lorraine Alzheimer. She married her high school sweetheart, Lonnie R. McCollom, in Choteau on June 12, 1965, and had 54 wonderful years of marriage.

Sharon loved people and was always genuinely interested in others. She had a contagious smile and warm heart, and always took the time to visit with others. One of her greatest joys was her children and grandchildren, and she always enjoyed watching their sporting events and other activities. She could be found at most games, both at home and away, cheering on the kids.

Sharon graduated from the University of Montana in 1965. She then taught high school business in Wallace, Idaho, as well as working at the Sunshine Mine in the area. In 1974, she and the family returned to the Choteau area, where they took over the family farm northeast of Choteau. Sharon loved the rural life and raising her 3 kids on the farm. She enjoyed bringing warm meals to the field to feed the harvest crew in the fall. Sharon worked hard on the farm, always providing for the family. After her children were raised, she started a job at Westmont Agency in Choteau. While the name of the business changed a few times, Sharon's commitment to her job and her customers never changed. For the last 26 years, Sharon worked at the insurance agency, and always greeted each customer with a big smile and warm hello. Flat tires, snow drifts, and muddy roads did not slow her on her 21 mile commute from the farm to town. Sharon loved her job and her fellow coworkers became a part of her family. She looked forward to each day working with them.

Sharon was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and rarely missed the weekend services. She was a woman of great faith, and believed that "With God all things are possible". She was a member of the Choteau Soroptomists and Catholic ladies auxiliary and parish council.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 54 years; sons Brian (Christina) of Choteau; Brad (Heather) of Vero Beach, Florida; and daughter Brenda Bolton (John) of Great Falls; her brothers David (Nancy), of Anchorage, Alaska; Dan, of Lewistown, MT; and her sister Carol Keown (Larry) of Sheridan, Wyoming. Her beloved grandchildren: Gavin and Abby of Choteau, and Keegan, Brady, Bailey, and Piper of Vero Beach; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home and a vigil service is planned for Sunday, Nov 3 at 7 pm. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Choteau. A memorial service is set for Monday, Nov 4 at 10 am. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with a graveside service and luncheon to follow.

Memorials are suggested to the Choteau Lions Pool Fund, P.O. Box 617, Choteau, MT 59422. Condolences may be left online at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com.