Sharon Ann Luoma Smith, age 78, of Butte, Montana, breathed her last breath on January 12, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer.
Sharon was born in Great Falls, Montana, on January 20, 1944, to Arthur Thomas and Olive May Luoma. She was raised in a loving home and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1962. She later married Douglas Newbury and raised two children, Shelley Newbury Hoovestal and Douglas Thomas Newbury.
In 1976 she moved to Fort Benton, Montana, where Sharon was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church. She shared her love and talent of music with her devoted participation in the church choir, and her love of children by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
Sharon worked for many years at the Fort Benton Hospital in the medical billing department, supported her children in school activities and sporting events, played bridge, and participated in a stitching club. She was also a substitute music teacher in the Fort Benton Schools. She had many wonderful friends in Fort Benton and loved spending time each summer at Whitefish Lake with her children and her close friends.
She married Robert Edward Smith on December 23, 1988. They later moved to Butte, Montana, where she worked for Dr. Nehls for many years until retirement. They remained in Butte for the rest of their days. Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep in 2008. Sharon never went a day without talking about her “sweet Bob” until she decided it was her time to join him in heaven. They both loved to camp at Georgetown Lake and Wise River, were faithful members of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and had many wonderful friends and neighbors.
Sharon lived a full and busy life for fifteen years without Bob. She continued to sing in the church choir, taught Vacation Bible School, played bridge weekly, and sang in the symphony choir at Montana Tech.
Sharon was a kind, gentle, loving, and unselfish woman who cared for everyone around her. She was an amazing wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend to all. She was a hard worker and was loved by everyone who knew her. She loved her children and grandchildren and spent as much time with them as possible. She was fortunate to see Europe, Mexico, Canada, Oregon, South Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota, Wyoming, and Washington State.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Olive Luoma; husband, Robert Edward Smith; and sisters, Hazel Budeski and Charlotte Carlson. Survivors include her daughter, Shelley Newbury Hoovestal (Palmer); her son, Douglas Thomas Newbury (Ricki); her stepdaughter, Catherine Zitzelberger (Ron); her stepdaughter, Linda Yokum (Mike); her stepdaughter, Bobbi Barrutia (Rich); her stepson, Robert E. Smith Jr. (Sherri); and her grandchildren, Court Neibauer, Campbell Neibauer, Tyler Newbury, Luke Newbury, and Drew Newbury. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, step-grandchildren and friends.
Church services are planned for Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services. A grave side burial will be held at a later date.
Memorials in honor of Sharon are suggested to Aldersgate United Methodist Church for Music Ministry.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Sharon.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Sharon and her family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 27, 2023
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 27, 2023
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
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Leona Knight says
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. She was a very sweet lady I worked with her at Herberger’s in the home department. Will miss her singing in Choral Choir she had a beautiful voice. All my prayers and sympathy to all the family.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Leona Knight
Larry Huston says
Our soul felt heartache, to all who loved, cared for, worked with, admired and were friends, relatives, family and best friends with cousin Sharon. We feel the loss and fully understand how well prepared Sharon was to receive her place in Heaven. She was so kind, so caring and always put family above her own struggles. We love you Sharon and you will always have a place in our heart. Larry and Judy Huston’s Family.
Peggy Hill says
Remember that smile and kind heart always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her
I feel so Blessed to have known her all my Prayers go to her families
Will remember her Always and Forever 🙏🙏🌈❤️
Alice Culbertson Klundt says
I feel like I have lost a big part of my childhood. Sharon and I were best friends at the age of 2 and continued until the end. She was one of the sweetest, most caring persons I have every had the privilege to know. She will always be missed and loved.
Deirdre Caughlan says
Shelley and Douglas
I knew your mother through the Choral Union. She was a classy woman with a beautiful voice. She will be missed and her influence as well. May she Rest In Peace.
Jamie Mintz says
Always so beautiful 💗
Tim Luoma says
It was always wonderful to see her at family gatherings. She always had such great memories to share and was such a positive and lovely person. Our thoughts are with you.
Bob and Nita Kingsbury says
She has already been missed. We enjoyed her at many gatherings, football, church, etc. A very dear lady.
Sheryl Tremis says
My prayers and sympathy to her family and dear friends.
Aldersgate Church will not be the same without her beautiful voice and loving presence. Sharon was a special lady and is greatly missed…..🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕
Peggy Benton says
Your mom and I sang together over the years. She always had a good camping story about their trailer up at Georgetown. Thanks for all your singing contributions. Your friend, Peggy Benton
Amy LaFleur says
Your Mom was a sweet lady with a beautiful smile. My thoughts and Prayers are with your family. May you feel the Lord’s arms wrapped around you.
Sally (Estabrook) Dwyer says
I am so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing! I worked with her at Dr. Nehl’s office and I also knew her through my husband! She was a very very kind woman and will be remembered as such! My condolences to each of her family! Sally (Estabrook) Dwyer
Lindsay Myers says
I worked with Sharon at Herberger’s when I first moved to Montana. She was always so helpful and sweet! Over the years she would pop in to Three Bears Grocery Store where I work and we would hug and chat, always asking how me and my family were doing. My deepest condolences to her family.