Sharon M. Ness, 76, De Pere, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, October 13, 2024, after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. She was born September 14, 1948, to the late Elmer and Delores (VerHaagh) Smits.

Sharon graduated from West De Pere High School.

On June 20, 1970, she was united in marriage to Paul Ness.

She loved softball and volleyball, and played for various local teams, well into her 40's. Sharon was also active for many years in the Color Guard watching her children perform and participate in many competitions and parades.

Sharon, never was one to sit still, worked at the 41 Truck Plaza in De Pere waitressing and managing the restaurant, before opening a restaurant of her own, Grama's Diner and Hilltop BP in Oneida. After "retiring" from the business, she began working at the Greenbrier Café in Aurora Hospital. Sharon was also employed at Festival Foods on University Ave. 'Grama' was well known by so many for her generous heart and big smile that could light up a room and was a 2nd Mom to many. She had a heart of gold and ALWAYS put others before herself. Sharon never wanted to miss any of her grandkids sporting events, breakfast with her siblings, cards with her aunts and cousins or a night of bingo.

Sharon grew up in Oneida on the family farm, where she had so many fond memories of her large family growing up, and spending time at the cottage in Lakewood. The yearly get aways with cousins is something she always cherished. She truly was the matriarch and glue that held her family together. Her time with her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends was most looked forward to.

She is survived by her children, Tammy (Jamie) Phillips, Barb (Lonnie Block) Coisman, Cindy (Jason) Van Rite, and Crystal (Jason) Krueger. Grandchildren; Michael, Brook, Tyler, Kyle, McKenzie, McKayla, Trentin, Kennedy, Korbin, and bonus grandson Justin. Great grandchildren; Loretta, Azaria, Patsy, Gerald, Virginia, and Margo. Her siblings; Janice "Farmer" (significant other Earl) Allen, Patricia "Bubbles" (significant other Mike) Kucksdorf, George (significant other Sam) Smits, Elmer "Butch" (Lisa) Smits, Tina (significant other Huey) Smits, and Lisa "Lulu" Smits. Paul's sister Charlotte Schenkus, and sister-in-law Linda Ness. Sharon is further survived by her special friend Bill Foster, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and fury friend Rieley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul in 2007, three siblings; Richard "Dick", Anthony "Tony", and John "Ping", and special friend Ron Martens.

Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere from 2:00PM – 7:00PM on Friday, October 18, 2024. A service for Sharon will take place at 6:00PM with Fr. Willard VanDeLoo officiating.

Special thanks to the staff at Aurora BayCare Medical Center on MedSurg 1; especially Bre, Nikki, Jake, and Stacey. Her cancer "Dream Team" at Vince Lombardi Cancer Center; Dr. Dickson, Dr. Labomascus, Dr. Livingston, Dr. Stefaniak, and Christina Olson. Sage Meadows Assisted Living, Rennes Health & Rehab, Truway Transport, and Devoted Transportation.

Finally, to all those who went above and beyond to care for mom when needed the most. Your kindness, compassion and support will not be forgotten.

In honor of Moms memory and her favorite color, if you own anything purple, feel free to wear Friday. It would mean a lot to her as we celebrate her life!