Sharon Hanser

Sharon Josephine (Simons) Hanser passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 7, 2025. Sharon showed great courage and determination this past year as she battled the devastating disease of ALS. She was 82 years old. Sharon was beautiful in so many ways, inside and out, always prioritizing the needs of others before her own.

Sharon’s final handwritten message to her family was to “not dwell on her death, but to celebrate her life.” She thanked all for contributing to her “full, happy and joy-filled life.” Sharon had many incredible qualities. She possessed a wonderful spirit of graciousness, common sense, and a no-nonsense approach regardless of the situation or challenge she was tackling. These same qualities surfaced in Sharon when she would graciously share her wisdom and advice with anyone who asked or required it.

Sharon was born in Spokane, WA to Harry and Amparita Simons. Harry was stationed in England during WWII and did not see Sharon after she was born in 1943 for two years. After returning from the war, the family, which also included Sharon’s younger brother Pat, moved to Ellensburg, WA. In 1950, Grandma and Grandpa Hasquet asked Harry and Amparita to return to Montana to help with the family sheep ranching operation. The young Simons family lived on the Hasquet family farm until 1952 when they moved to Shelby, MT.

Sharon attended St. Williams Catholic School through 8th grade and then continued her education at Great Falls Central Catholic High School. Sharon lived at the Ursuline Academy in Great Falls during her high school years. She graduated in 1961 and attended Carroll College where she met Ralph Hanser. The two knew they wanted to spend their lives together.

They married on June 22, 1963. Ralph promised Amparita that he would take care of her daughter, Sharon, forever. He kept his promise well for 63 years, and most notably and admirably during her illness with his tender love and care. Sharon worked side-by-side with Ralph in the family business while managing the house and raising their six sons. Later, she went back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in human services from MSU-B and a master’s in business management from the University of Mary so she could continue to give to others. Along with her work at Hanser’s, she also worked at Alternatives, Inc., to help people get back on their feet. During her 45 years as a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral in Billings, she worked as the Parish Administrator and helped renovate and build the new Parish Center. She frequently shared her gift of music and cantored during Sunday Masses.

Sharon is survived by her devoted, loving husband, Ralph, and her six sons and their families who adored her: Spencer, Scott (Janelle), Shawn (Melanie), Stacy (Teresa), Shel (Julie), and Seth (Erin).

Grandchildren: Arielle Dean (Austin), Austin, Taylor Klein (Tanner), Dylan (Stephanie), Allison Venzon (Ty), Brendon, Zachary (Molly), Ben, Peyton (Michaela), Olivia, Melissa, Alexa, Toby, Isaac, Rowan, and Helen. Great- grandchildren: Jonah, Blakely, Ava, Tinley, Gabe, Lily, Karina, Ridge, and Tatum. Siblings: Pat (Cecily), Mike (Kim), Jeanie Schemm, Bill (Judy), Tom, Joe (Laura), and Renee Espinosa (Jorge), and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins that all love her dearly.

We would like to thank the amazing care team at the ALS Clinic at Billings Clinic, Stillwater Hospice, and Cornerstone Caregiving for the incredibly compassionate care they provided to Sharon. A very special thank you to Sharon’s wonderful sisters, Jeanie and Renee, who made consistent visits to assist in Sharon’s care and provided support to Sharon, Ralph, and their family throughout this difficult journey. We would also like to thank Jenni, Sharon’s stylist and friend for many years, for coming weekly for her hair and nails. It meant the world to her.

Words cannot express the gratitude of the entire Hanser family for all the love, care, and prayers of so many during the past year. A Rosary and Vigil will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral followed by Rite of Committal at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Sharon’s name to the Hanser Family Legacy Scholarship Fund at the Billings Catholic Schools Foundation, your local ALS walk in her honor, Saint Vincent DePaul, or a charity of your choice.

A livestream of the funeral mass can be viewed at the St. Patricks Co Cathedral Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stpatrickcocathedral?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Bk83FsNdcoU3IZ71&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1DryF5569y%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#