Sharon Elaine Dryden passed away unexpectedly on Thursday January 8th with her family by her side. Sharon was born on February 16th, 1942, to Lance and Doris Reid in Pemberton West Virginia. She was the baby sister of Daniel and Deanna. She spent her childhood in southern West Virginia and then in 1959 moved with her parents and brother to Orlando Florida where they had many wonderful adventures.
In 1962 she married James Whitley and they moved to Cheyenne Wyoming with his job in the Air Force. Her two daughters, Elaine and Laura were born there. Her son Timothy was born while the family was stationed in Phoenix Arizona. In 1972 they moved to Great Falls Montana where they later divorced.
In 1982 she married Fred Dryden and was delighted to have 2 bonus sons, Eric and Cory, and a great extended family. They shared 35 years of marriage until his death in 2017. In 1985 Fred and Sharon moved to Florida to be closer to her parents. Sharon was a member of the United Methodist Church. She was also a very active of the Winter Park Does Drove No. 86. She and Fred became owners at the Turtle Inn Beach Club Daytona Beach Shores where they enjoyed many memorable weeks.
In 2014 Fred and Sharon retired to Butte Montana to be closer to family. Sharon was an active member of Xi Iota chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. She was also happy to find a church family at Christ Church Anglican. She enjoyed many weekend trips to Yellowstone National Park with “her girls” especially Mother’s Day weekend.
She taught her family there was always room for at least 1 more at the table and she saw good in everyone. She was delighted to be “Momma” to so many sons and daughters.
Sharon was proceeded in death by her sister Deanna, her parents Lance and Doris, and ex husband James Whitley. She is survived by her brother Dan(Kat), her children Elaine, Laura(Doug), Tim(Teresa), Eric(Nicki), and Cory(Brenda), bonus son Dave, grandchildren Justin(Stacey) and Jake(Jess) Gardner, Travis(Ashley) Whitley and Taylor(Nic) Bainter, Ashley(Josh) Belanger, Jake(Sydnee) Dryden, Lucas, Levi and Logan Dryden and Great grandchildren James, Madeline and Henry Whitley, Sunny Bainter, Rueben and Temperance Belanger and Grant Dryden. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and her sisters in law Ramona Wroblewski, Beverly Pepos, and Jaunita Round. Surviving also is her bonus sister MaryAnn Hammond.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Thursday January 15, 2026, at Christ Church Anglican, 1200 Texas Avenue with a reception to follow.
Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Sharon.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 15, 2026
Christ Church Anglican
1200 Texas Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the celebration of life service
Thursday January 15, 2026
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave.
Butte, MT 59701
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Charmaine O'Connell says
Laura, Elaine, and family, I’m so sad to hear about Aunt Sharon. She was always so nice to me and my family. I loved the many visits I had with her. She always took the time to visit. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hang onto all the beautiful memories you have. Rest in Peace Aunt Sharon. 💓💓🙏
Love, Charmaine
Ramona and Richard Wroblewski says
I love this dear lady and I do mean lady. Have such wonderful memories of her. Oh the laughs we had. The ship gambling trips with Fran ,Fred and there co-workers. Frans retirement, and Freds Birthday Pary. My heart is with you all. Sharon will always hold a special place in my heart.
Cheryl Wegley says
Elaine, I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful lady. Loved visiting with her all the time! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.