Sharon Lee (Switzer) Hoops passed away on September 6th, 2023, just days after reaching her 80th birthday.

Born to George and Martha Switzer, and joining her big brother, Gary, Sharon lived most of her life in Kennewick. As a young adult she ventured to the west side of the mountains to experience city life and enjoy the excitement of working for the Seattle Pilots Baseball Team but the strong bond she shared with her mother drew her back to Kennewick after a few years to once again be near her family.

In the early 70's Sharon started up a dating club where she met Fred Hoops. Fred was the first, and only other member, to join the club as they fell in love at first sight and married after a whirlwind courtship.  Sharon and Fred shared a love of Manx cats, mushroom hunting, and the Oregon Coast where they spent many months each year in Lincoln City relaxing, beachcombing and storm-watching. They considered it their 2nd home and developed many close friendships with others who they would meet up with there year-after-year.  Sharon and Fred lived and loved happily until his passing in 2016.

Sharon will be remembered as a loving, thoughtful, and kindred spirit. From the perspective of her granddaughters, she will be remembered as a delight, always bringing laughter and charm to those who had the pleasure to meet her. She fostered community in her beloved Kennewick, finding friends at her nail salon, favorite Thai restaurant, and Legacy House where Fred spent his final years.  She always entertained the grandkids by making stories out of the rabbits who lived outside her home, and as they got older, she was confided in as they shared their thoughts, politics, and secrets over phone calls. Her laugh was infectious, as was her smile, and both were often exercised in her presence. No matter her age, she always had a sense of playfulness that followed her until her final days. She will forever live in our hearts. We love you Grandma Sharon.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents George and Martha, stepfather Dale, brother Gary, husband Fred, nephew Marc and daughter-in-law/soul sister Dedee.  She is survived by her stepchildren John, Frieda, Lisa, grandchildren Shawny, David, Brandon, Clara, Georgia, Max, and nephew Michael. She will be deeply missed by many good old and new friends along with her collection of smoking buddies.

Thank you to all who loved on her through the good years and through the hard times as she approached the end of her earthly life.  She truly was a special lady.

The family will be holding a private ceremony.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush.

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.