Sharon Dee Stenlund

Sharon Dee (Meadows, Powers) Stenlund was born in Ryderwood, WA in 1939 and died April 16, 2024, at her home on Puget Island in Cathlamet, WA. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Stenlund, in September 2023, brother Jim Meadows, son Kenneth Powers and Mother Dorthy Heikka.

Sharon grew up seeking adventure that led her to racing powder puff cars, sailing with Paul on the Columbia River and San Juan Islands, kayaking the Kettle River, and birthing eight children. She was a teenage model. She spent many hours digging for rocks with her kids, camping, and playing in her garden and flowers. Sharon was a cribbage player. She loved her dogs, most recently, "wiggle butt" Lucy. She was an amazing cook and could create a meal from nothing when the cupboards were bare. She was always up for a road trip and loved traveling with Paul and her children. Sharon was most recently planning an RV vacation with her sons. The act of planning a trip was just as fun for Mom as actually taking the trip.

Sharon became a mother at an early age and her greatest joy came from the time she spent with her children and their families. She was a fierce mother. She worked various jobs to help support her family. She worked as a house/motel/office cleaner, a dental lab technician, a caregiver and in the food service industry. She did whatever was needed to keep her family healthy and prioritized the needs of her children daily.

Sharon is survived by her children Craig Powers of Longview, Jim (Debbie) Powers of Ranier, Kim (Beau) Harman of Curlew, Bill Powers of Longview/Republic, Scott (Diane) Powers of Republic, and Janell (Lance) Massey of Curlew. Sharon also leaves behind 60 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many south Kelso teens in the 70's also considered Sharon their "Mom" and found a supportive ear and a warm meal, until she told them it was time to leave and to go back to their family before they both got in trouble.

Sharon and Paul moved to Puget Island in May of 1991 and were married in February 1997. They enjoyed many years living on Welcome Slough, and its quick access to the Columbia River. Sharon maintained a beautiful home on the river. They also enjoyed countless hours sailing as members of the Longview and Cathlamet Yacht Clubs.

A gathering at The Duck Inn in Skamokawa will be held on June 2, 2024, from 1-4 p.m., to honor and remember Sharon. Please join the family for light snacks and refreshments and share memories of Sharon and Paul.