Walking On -- Sharon Gayle Beard

Sharon Gayle Beard

March 12, 1941 – Aug. 30, 2018

Tribal Elder Sharon Gayle Beard, 77, walked on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Salem, Ore. She was born in Willamina, Ore., the middle child of Harvey and Virginia LaChance.

She graduated from Warrenton High School in Warrenton, Ore. She married Lyle Raye Lanier in Warrenton on June 20, 1959. Together they had three children: Roxanne (Teeter), Shereena (Bates) and Kenneth Lanier. Lyle tragically drowned in 1971 and was lost at sea. She then married Paul Edward Beard on March 30, 1972, in Vancouver, Wash. He preceded her in death in 2015.

She enjoyed bingo, playing slots at the casino, watching World Wrestling Entertainment wrestling, Denver Broncos football and her grandchildren.

She is survived by her older brother, Thomas Leroy LaChance. Her younger brother, Gary Roderick LaChance, preceded her in death. She also is survived by two great-great-grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 10 grandchildren.

Services are scheduled for noon Friday, Sept. 21, at the Elders Activity Center, 48940 Blacktail Drive, with interment at the Grand Ronde Tribal Cemetery following at 3 p.m.

Donations can be made in her name to the Willamette Valley Hospice in Salem, Ore.

West Valley Funeral Home in Sheridan is assisting the family with the arrangements.