Sharon Ann (Johnson) Sanders

Date of birth  - January 7, 1944

Date of death  - February 24, 2026

Sharon Ann Johnson Sanders was born on January 7, 1944, to Josephine and Raymond Johnson. At age three, she moved from Hillsboro to Mulino, where she was raised. In 1950, she became a proud big sister to her brother, Reed, whom she dearly loved.

She attended Mulino School and graduated from Molalla High School in 1962. In high school, Sharon served as sports editor of The Warhoop and was head majorette for the Mo-Hi-Mas drill team. She later attended Multnomah Junior College, Oregon State University, and Portland Community College.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Sharon developed a lifelong love for all things dairy. She showed cows for many years, earning Grand Champion Showman honors, and was named a Jersey Dairy Princess. She also edited the Jersey Journal and dedicated many years to 4-H as both a member and leader.

In 1965, she married her high school sweetheart, Tom Sanders. After ten years, they divorced. She later married Terry Gillingham in 1978. Together they welcomed two children, Carrie Lynn and Aaron, and raised them in Tigard. Sharon and Terry later divorced in 2010.

In 2011, Sharon and Tom reunited and were remarried, sharing the later years of her life together. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Jo; her Uncle Earl & Auntie Hazel Johnson; and her grandson, Carson Sipe. She is survived by her husband, Tom Sanders; brother and sister-in-law Reed & Shirley Johnson, her daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Ray Sipe; her son, Aaron Gillingham; and her grandchildren: Ashley and William Castleberry, Dakota, Hunter, Tanner, Colbey, and Saige Sipe.

In the last weeks of her life, Sharon often spoke of how much she missed her parents. She would gently say that she felt ready to be reunited with them and with Carson.

Sharon will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, devotion to family, and the many lives she touched.