Sharon Faye Wilton

Sharon was born on October 1, 1939 in Detroit Lakes, MN to parents Emerson and Daryl Huntley. Sharon died peacefully at home on July 31, 2025 from cancer. Sharon graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1957. She worked at a local bank where she met her husband William (Bill) who had relocated to Detroit Lakes from Duluth working for Northwestern Bell. They married on June 2, 1962 and later moved to Duluth in 1969 when Bill was able to transfer back to his hometown. 

Sharon was known for her kindness, willingness to put others first, quick wit and incredible cooking skills. She had a huge love for kids, especially babies, so much so that they were able to make her smile even just days before her passing. Sharon was always very grounded in her faith. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church since her move to Duluth. While there she volunteered in a host of capacities as president, coordinator or member of numerous boards and committees of the church. 

Sharon made so many voluntary contributions to the community. She was an instrumental participant in bringing the "Helping Hands" program to all 19 elementary schools in Duluth. Signs with red hands on them were placed in the window of participating homes designating them as a safe place for children in need or having an emergency. When a neighborhood child was struck and killed by a drunk driver in the early 1980's she participated in the creation of the Duluth Chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers). She was a den leader for Cub Scouts and assisted with Boy Scouts. She was a TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) volunteer and a Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringer. She was a volunteer at St. Luke's Hospital in the surgery waiting area for over 30 years. During that time she logged over 6,400 hours of volunteer time. In 2018, Sharon's volunteer coordinator at St. Luke's submitted a nomination for her to be Port Cities Woman of the Year where she became one of the finalists. Sharon is preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle Bischof; sister, Marilyn del Plaine; brother, Michael Huntley; grandson, Anthony Barone; and great grandson, Gavin Barone. She is survived by her loving husband, William H Wilton; children, William M (Jana Groh), Debra (Adam) Jenson, James (Jean Arends); 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

Thanks for all the calls and visits from friends and family, and the care from Aspirus Hospice. Visitation will be Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 1:00 until the 2:00pm Service at First Presbyterian Church of Duluth, 300 E. Second Street, Duluth. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555.