Sharon Middleton

After leading a life of service, beloved mother and friend, Sharon (Shales) Middleton,
peacefully returned home to her Savior on March 18, 2022.

Born in Cornell, Wisconsin, on May 17, 1940, to Donald D. and Velva A. (Hake) Shales,
Sharon was the youngest of three children. She and her much loved older brothers were close-knit and sometimes full of mischief.

Sharon is survived by her two children, Donald W. Middleton (and wife Cheryl) of Abilene, Texas, and Julie A. Middleton Duran of Wenatchee and grandchildren, Alyssa Sue Pugh (and husband Matthew), Emily Shae Garza (and husband Whalen), and Ian Arthur Middleton, all of Lubbock, Texas.

The Shales family moved from Wisconsin when Sharon was three years of age. Sharon
attended primary school in Ardenvoir, WA alongside her cousins in the one room schoolhouse that they shared. She graduated from Peshastin-Dryden High School in 1958. Sharon was a beloved classmate, involved student and majorette. Sharon loved her friends from high school, many of whom she stayed in touch with most of her years. After graduation, Sharon was hired as an elevator attendant for the Doneen Building downtown. We enjoyed her stories from that time period.

In 1960, Art and Sharon were married in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and purchased their first home in Wenatchee.  Art was employed at Alcoa’s Wenatchee Works.

In the early days, Sharon, Art and friends enjoyed dancing on the weekends…and it’s said that they could really dance. During Apple Blossom time in the 1960’s, the couple would enjoy the parade with dear friends, Chuck and Audrey Barklind, and George and Jan Willis.  Much time was also spent with cousins for gatherings and meals together.

Mrs. Middleton was an active PTA mom, a 4-H leader, and Cheer mom, and enjoyed
watching her children’s sports. Sharon took a ceramics class and made several memorable ceramic works over the years. She looked forward to large family gatherings during the
holidays where her favorite recipes became a tradition. During the summer, the family would camp in a trailer, spending long days in the sun. The family traveled western states on vacation to see relatives and visit monuments and National Parks.

Sharon will be remembered for her contributions to Wenatchee Schools and the many
students she served over her 26 year career. Sharon gave her time and energy to her
community, Church family, and East Wenatchee Rotary, volunteering with Art and earning the Paul Harris Fellow Award.

A life well-lived, but her family would say her most important role was wife and mother.
There was not a school event or important moment in her children’s lives where she was not both proud and present. From her keen sense of humor to her deep love of family, Sharon will be remembered fondly by all who love her.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Arthur H. Middleton, her parents and her brothers, Wesley D. Shales and Clinton M. Shales. Sharon’s life and memory will be treasured by her children, grandchildren, her many nieces and nephews, friends, and colleagues.

A closed casket visitation and prayer vigil for family and friends will be held at Chapel of
the Valley, East Wenatchee, on Tuesday, April, 12, 2022 from 2-6 pm.