Sharon Isabelle Rueda

Sharon Isabelle Lee Rueda died November 22, 2024, of Multiple System Atrophy a month after her 80th birthday, at home surrounded by her family. Although in her last few years she lost her mobility and ability to speak, before this she lived a life of joy, spreading happiness to all with her smile and loving heart. Daughter of Isabelle and John Lee, Sharon spent most of her life in the Portland area. Born and raised in Beaverton, OR, she attended the University of Oregon and has been a lifelong diehard Duck fan. She met Xavier at U of O, and they married the day before they graduated in June 1966. They moved to Los Angeles so Sharon could attend the Internal Revenue Service training program. She finished number one, then enjoyed some amusing months auditing celebrities in the Hollywood IRS office. They moved to Iowa, and then Vermont to pursue architectural positions for Xavier. In 1973 they moved “back home” and raised their four children in Tigard, OR. She and Xavier retired to Canby, OR in 2004. Xavier designed a major remodel of the house, and Sharon designed the garden. Sharon had tireless energy and a giving spirit. She volunteered for over twenty years as bookkeeper for Good Samaritan Ministries. She gave her time to Oregon Right to Life, Special Olympics and March of Dimes. She taught Sunday School and at Boy and Girl Scout Camp. She was a part-time accountant and a full-time, devoted mother. She dedicated herself to supporting and improving the quality of life for her youngest daughter who has Down Syndrome. After her three eldest children were grown, Sharon had time to garden! Through rigorous study, she became a master gardener. She loved to spend hours in her yard, putting in new plants, perfecting the shape of trees and bushes, and ensuring a riot of color throughout the year. She joined the Canby Garden Club, serving as president, participating in many events, and proudly earning the Yard of the Month in 2016. Sharon lived her life with a foundation of faith and love for the Lord. She was a devout Catholic and very spiritual. The joy this gave to her was evident to everyone she met. She had a smile and a warm hug for all and considered everyone she encountered her friend. Her gentleness and firm faith inspired others to the last day of her life. Sharon is survived by her husband of 58 years, Xavier Rueda; her brother John Lee; her children Darsi (Sarah), Bronson (Meredith), Amanda, and Annie; and grandchildren Benjamin, Addison, and Emma.

Sharon Isabelle Rueda

October 5, 1944 - November 22, 2024