Sharon Dell (Johnson Hardtla) Wright, 87, of Montgomery, Texas passed away peacefully on November 2, 2022.

Sharon was born to Walter William Johnson and Evelyn Eleanor (Kruse) Johnson on October 2, 1935 in Philipsburg, Granite County, Montana. She attended grade school in Philipsburg, and high school in Anaconda where she received numerous accolades including Valedictorian of her high school class. She was an accomplished pianist, member of the National Honor Society, Chemistry Club, Thespians and Drama Club, chess enthusiast, twirler, and participated in school radio shows and declamation contests. Her early years were spent living at Silver Lake with her parents, and Sharon was later adopted by Clinton George Hardtla, Sr. after he married her mother. She attended the University of Montana after graduation, and was always fondly reminiscent of her time spent in Montana in her youth. Sharon later lived in Minnesota, Seattle, and Oakland and held positions with both Kaiser Steel Corporation and Boeing. Sharon's time at both Kaiser and Boeing was filled with accomplishments, interesting and challenging positions, including working on the Saturn 5 rocket project. It was in Oakland that she met Gene Wright. Needing a date for the Kaiser Steel Christmas party, a friend introduced her to Gene who was in Oakland for business. Fresh off the tennis court, Gene quickly prepared to accompany her to the party – which led to a lifelong accompaniment through 43 wonderful years of marriage. Sharon was also a member of Rainbow Girls and the Order of the Eastern Star, like her mother before her.

Sharon was a bright, intelligent and creative lady who possessed many gifts including music, art, sewing and handwork, and immaculate organizational skills. Her attention to detail and incredible knowledge and memory often astounded business associates. She had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, and a keen interest in politics and investments. Sharon was a passionate genealogist, preparing detailed books for family as she chronicled family history. She held a lifelong interest in playing bridge and was exceptionally skilled – possessing a passion for teaching novice players to give them confidence to join established bridge groups. She travelled extensively during her life, taking advantage of any opportunity to see the world with a genuine thirst for knowledge and new experiences. She and Gene lived in Saudi Arabia for several years and raised her daughter to appreciate the exploration of different countries and cultures, often involving a great degree of adaptability. Family travels to visit friends and family are among many cherished memories.

When their daughter married, Gene and Sharon moved to Montgomery, TX from Houston to build a home on property that Gene had purchased after returning from World War II. It is in that home that she found sanctuary with the quiet, peaceful surroundings, wild animals, kind neighbors, and several treasured pets. She is remembered as a lovely woman, and kind and generous friend and neighbor. Her family will miss her deeply and know that she lived a full and interesting life, caring for her loved ones.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, CAPT Eugene R. Wright, USNR, Ret., as well as her brother, Clinton George Hardtla, Jr. of Anaconda, MT. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Larry Frank of Houston, TX; stepson Jim Wright of Claremore, OK; stepson and fiancee Jack Wright and Sonya Munsell of Broken Arrow, OK; devoted sister Evelyn Hungate of Gravette, AR; brother-in-law and wife Don and Leony Wright of Vancouver, WA, and sisters-in-law Nancy Hardtla of Anaconda, MT, Vivian Debord of Palmdale, CA and Dona Kay Wagner of Bend, OR. She also leaves grandchildren Jimmy Wright, Jacqueline Wright Stern (Harlan), Jonathan Wright, Landon Frank, Riley Frank, and Elizabeth "Libby" Frank, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

A private committal service will be held at the Houston National Cemetery in December, where Sharon will be laid to rest with her loving husband, Gene. A family celebration of life will take place at a later date in Montana. "Shoot for the moon, my darling, for even if you miss…you will land among the stars."

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice.