Shari Watkins

Shari Watkins (Smith), 73, of Salem, Oregon sought peace on December 3rd, 2017 in Salem, OR. She was surrounded by family.

Shari was born in August of 1944 to Del Smith and Maxine Casten [Ducharme] of Tacoma, WA. She grew up largely in Fife, WA and graduated from Fife High School in 1962/63 (but attended the 1961 reunions). She moved to Oregon in 1979 following her marriage to Bob Watkins.

Shari was an ardent supporter of Salem: She was President of the Friends of the Library for several terms and was instrumental in their achieving non-profit status and securing a separate funding source. She was voted Salem Citizen of the Year in the early ‘80s. She was an active supporter of Pioneer Little League, Waldo Middle School, and McKay High School.

Shari was a champion of her family: she never gave up on any one of them and loved them as they found their path through life. Shari was also an ardent fan of the Washington Huskies (Go Dawgs!), the Seattle Seahawks (Go Hawks!), the US Naval Academy (Beat Army!), and the US Marine Corps (Ooh-Rah!).

Shari was gifted in many areas of her life, and she especially loved painting. She worked with the Capitol Woodcarvers on numerous projects. Additionally, she painted several sculptures that are prominently displayed all around Salem and surrounding communities. She volunteered on the Eco Earth globe (acidball) at Riverfront Park. She also painted many of the original displays and all of the veteran figures for the Glockenspiel in Mt. Angel.
Shari was widowed in 2007.

Shari leaves wonderful memories to be cherished by: her sons H. Scott Parry (Beverly and children Isaac, Gracie (with children Jake and Hailey Shari), Sam, and Benjamin) of Salem, OR., and Jay Wylie (Monica Joy and children Evan, Roman, and Jemma) of Twentynine Palms, CA; daughter Monica Wylie (and children Tyler and Che’ Rogers) of Tacoma, WA,; brother, Greg Smith (Laurie) of Orting, WA,; “sisters” Joanne Coughlin of Gig Harbor, WA, Cindy Miller (Bruce) and Wendy Greer of Salem, OR; traveling “sisters” Pat Rogers of Phoenix, AZ, Ruth Ballard of Milton, WA, and Marilyn Anderson of Puyallup, WA; and many other loving family members and friends.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all who kept Shari and her family in their prayers, and to those that provided excellent care at the Salem Hospital and support from Willamette Valley Hospice.

Rather than a celebration of life or memorial service, friends will reminisce about Shari when they come together.
Shari/ Mom/ Grandma/ Chickee-Boom/ Nana - You truly made a difference in all the lives you touched and will be missed beyond measure. We love you.