Sharon J. Thurston
Sharon J. Thurston, 86, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, surrounded by her children and sister. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Sharon was born on July 24, 1940, in Hardin, Montana. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Helena, Montana, in 1958, and later returned to school, graduating from Carroll College in 1977. She lived a life marked by strength, dedication, laughter, and a genuine love for life.
Sharon was especially proud of her military service. She proudly served in the United States Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Captain. Her service to her country was an important part of who she was, and she carried that same dedication and determination throughout her life.
Following her military service, Sharon continued her commitment to public service as a Contract Administrator for the United States government. She devoted many years to her career before retiring in 2000. But to those who knew and loved her, Sharon was so much more than her accomplishments. Mom, Grandma, Sharon, or Aunt Sharon, as she was known by so many, had an incredible zest for life. She loved a good game of Pinochle or Bridge, enjoyed Happy Hour, and never needed much of an excuse to celebrate. She was always the life of the party.
Sharon loved to sing and dance, and there were many nights when the music, laughter, and good times continued until the wee hours of the morning. She had a way of making people feel welcome, bringing laughter into a room, and turning ordinary moments into cherished memories.
Her greatest legacy will not be found on a résumé or in a list of accomplishments, but in the stories, laughter, and memories she leaves behind. Those stories will be told time and again, keeping her spirit alive in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.
Sharon lived life fully, loved deeply, and left a little more joy wherever she went. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Sharon was preceded in death by her father, John McPhee; her mother, Margaret Rygg (formerly Margaret Herbst); her stepfather, William Rygg; her sisters, Patty McPhee, Nona (Bob) Otto, Isabel (Phil) Ryan, and Carol (Jim) Williams; and her brother, James (Francie) McPhee.
She is survived by her four children: Robert “Bob” (Jennifer) Thurston, Robin (Kevin) Ross, Patty (John) Pintarich, and Teresa Thurston; and her adopted daughter, Cece (Jim) McAgy.
Sharon is also survived by her siblings, Sue McPhee, Raymond Rygg, Mike (Jeanie) Rygg, and Tom (Jackie) Rygg; and her beloved grandchildren: Zachary (Tori) Ross, Emily (Angelo) Troiano, Billy (Alicyn) Pintarich, Shelby (Seth) Conrad, Elizabeth Thurston, Olivia Thurston, Allison Thurston, Kayla McAgy, Mariyana Swisher, Ivan McAgy, and Eric McAgy.
Sharon also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Her family was a cherished part of her life, and the love she shared with them will remain a lasting part of her memory.
A memorial service celebrating Sharon’s life will be planned for a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends as arrangements are finalized with City of Oaks Funeral Home & Cremations (cityofoakscremation.com) Raleigh, NC.