Sharon Carol Mcknelly Obituary (2026)

On December 26, 1942, a beautiful blonde girl was born to Joseph and Ruby DeArment, in Lewiston, Idaho. Almost a Christmas baby, Shari always joked that she knew it was Christmas, and she stayed in an extra day so she could get her own birthday. Sharon “Shari” Carole McKnelly, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, surrounded by her family. Shari grew up in Lewiston, Idaho, the third of five children, as a tomboy. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1960. As soon as Shari graduated high school, she moved to Seattle, Washington, to live with her eldest sister, Josie. It was there, when she was bowling in a league, she met Bob Mead. It was love at first sight. Shari and Bob were married on January 19, 1962. Out of their marriage, Rhonda was born in 1963, and Sam followed in 1970. Bob and Shari divorced in 1986. Shari decided she was headed to her hometown of Lewiston to find her a COWBOY! And, boy, HOWDY…she found him! Jim McKnelly and Shari were married in 2002. Jim made Shari feel like the most loved cowgirl in the world. Shari loved him with all her heart and was by his side, until he passed shortly after they moved to Wenatchee in 2018. Throughout Shari’s career, she worked as a bookkeeper for Evergreen Pharmaceuticals in Seattle, Washington, and owned a thrift store with her little sister, Maggi, called The Green Door. Before she finally retired, Shari assisted in the daily operations at the Pour House Tavern, in Lewiston. Shari loved singing karaoke, fishing, camping, collecting coins, doing puzzles, refinishing furniture, bowling, dancing, and using her green thumb to grow amazing plants. A true competitive spirit, she loved to win. Playing marbles or Double Deck Rummy with her family were her favorites. It was every man for himself! She was well known for her delicious garlic chicken wings and her pumpkin bread, which she passed on to her family. Shari dearly loved her animals. Throughout her life, she had German Shepherds, King, Annie, and Mishka. She loved snuggling with cats and had way too many to name. Shari was a strong-willed woman, who loved being called Grandma by her grandkids and her great-grands. Her happiest moments were when her granddaughters, Tricia, Terra, and Meredith were born. They were the light of her life. She was overjoyed to become a great-grandma and recently got to meet the newest addition to the family, her great-granddaughter, Layla, who was born in October. She was over the moon to add her to the family. She loved to get together for family gatherings and see everyone. Shari would laugh and laugh as she spent time playing games, chatting, eating, and hanging out with everyone. It was such a blessing to be able to live with her son, Sam, and his wife, Trina, and be surrounded by her family for the past eight years. The incredible care, love, and devotion that were given to her were a gift, and she loved them so much. Shari is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ruby, three sisters, Josie, Patti and Maggi, her husband, Jim McNelly, and Bob Mead, the father of her children. She is survived by her brother, Mike DeArment, her son, Sam (Trina) Mead, and daughter Rhonda (Don) Bellinger, grandchildren, Tricia (Dan) Sapp, Terra (Justin) Collier, Meredith (Ben) Mead, Josh (Krissy) MacKenzie, Jared (Michelle) MacKenzie, Justin (Carleen) Armstrong, Shawn (Courtney) Armstrong, Mathew Bowers, Olivia Baugher, and Luc Harris, great-grandkids, Koen Matthews and Brady Matthews (Nathan Matthews), Marissa Sapp, Wyatt Sapp, Hannah Sapp, Blaze Sapp, Layla Saxton, Makaila Armstrong, Jaidyn Armstrong, Elodie Armstrong, Jax Armstrong, Emileigh Smith, Haiden MacKenzie, Denae MacKenzie, Amber Emerson, Austin MacKenzie and Charlie MacKenzie, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Her family would like to extend their gratitude for all the support from Connie, Tiffany, and Lynn at Confluence Health Hospice. A Family Celebration will be held at a later date. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.