Sharon Niles died August 10, 2024. Sharon’s family will be holding a celebration of life September 7 from 4-8, at 4460 241st Ave NW in St Francis. Please celebrate Sharon’s life with us, if you have a big derby hat you are very welcome to show it off.
Sharon Niles was born in Indianapolis, IN on December 23, 1942 to Viola (Kuntz) and Ralph Loewenstein. She passed away at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids on August 10, 2024.
Sharon married Ken Niles in 1964 and together they raised a family in Ramsey, MN. She is survived by her 3 biological children, Wendy (Wayne) Becker of St. Francis, David (Cheryl) of Andover, and Joe (Kasia) of Isanti. Sharon also had 4 step-children, Teri (Bud) Abbott, Toni Gerst, Rick Carlson, and Lisa Peck. Sharon is also survived by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sister Judy (Herman) Dannholz.
Sharon was preceded in death by husband, Ken Niles, her parents, Viola and Ralph Loewenstein, and bingo partner and close friend, Herb Kipka.
Everyone was always welcome and loved in Sharon’s home. There is no easy way to define family when it comes to Sharon. Over the years many that were in need of a place were invited in and treated like family by Sharon. Blood relation was not necessary for Sharon to consider someone one of her kids.
While the people in her life were very important to Sharon, nobody close to her can imagine her life without animals. Horses were always a huge part of her life, acquiring or rescuing, riding trails or in shows, and watching her kids ride or the races at Canterbury. Lifelong friendships were made from her love of horses, as well as countless memories. There was always a large place in her heart, and her home for her dogs, usually a German Shepherd. We are sure she is catching up with all her favorite pets she has been waiting to see again.
Sharon lived a full life, spending time with family, friends, and her animals. Sharon was often hard to track down, at any given time she could be playing bingo, going kayaking, or off to the horse races. One of her happiest memories was when she got to make a trip to the Kentucky Derby, big hat and all.
This is a very nice tribute, and couldn’t be anymore accurate. I have some great memories of Sharon making us tuna sandwiches with sweet pickle relish, and grilled cheese on white bread with oozing Velveeta cheese. One of the most memorable was the day when Ken, Sharon, Wendy, David and I were painting the fence white on the side of the house. Ken and Sharon had an announcement for us……… Sharon’s pregnant. Someone asked “how.” Ken said “magic.” Then there were three. Welcome to the family, Joe. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Dave, I am sorry to learn of your mom’s passing.
My Condolences go out to the entire family of Sharon.