Birth: 1947 Death: 2024 Sharon Kurth OBITUARY SHARON KURTH Sharon Jane (Bernhardt) Kurth passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 9, 2024, with her husband by her side. Sharon was born on November 2, 1947, to the late Douglas K. Bernhardt and Kathryn (Whitehead) Bernhardt in Buford, South Carolina.
She lived a life marked by a compassionate heart, a devotion to family, and a sense of humor that brightened the lives of those around her. The daughter of a Master Sergeant in the Marine Corps, her childhood was forged by relocating every few years, instilling an ability to adapt and enjoy new surroundings that stayed with her throughout her life. She treasured the mainstays of close ties with her family in Upstate New York and Wisconsin, often reveling in doing farm chores in the lattera source of exasperation for her cousins who were charged with doing the work year-round.
Sharon’s family moved to Chico, California, in 1960. She attended Notre Dame School, where she was told that crossing her eyes too much would render them permanently crosseda challenge she daringly tested and disproved. During her senior year at Chico High School, she and her friends snuck into a college dance at Chico State.
That night, she danced with a local freshman named Ron Kurth to “You Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers and their course was set. Their love defied the song’s lyrics, growing stronger over time and distance as Sharon’s dream of traveling the world led her to join Trans World Airlines as a flight attendant based in Chicago, Illinois. Her children are quite happy that when faced with the decision between traveling the world with TWA or marrying Ron, she chose Ron.
On June 7, 1969, Sharon, in a beautiful dress gifted by a dear friend and clutching a bouquet of daisies, married Ron at the Newman Center in Chico, embarking on a journey that spanned over 55 wonderful years. Ron and Sharon welcomed three children together. The first two were born in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Ron was stationed with the US Navy.
When asked what it was like to live in a tropical paradise, Sharon often quipped, “Hawaii gave me stretch marks.” The list of places they called home would grow to include Pensacola, Camarillo, Monterey, San Diego, Virginia, Sonoma, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Hong Kong, Sparks, St. Helena, Rio Vista and Lake Almanor.
She never lost her love for travel, enjoying the travels of her children and grandchildren when she could no longer go herself. Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Ron. She will be forever missed by the three people lucky to call her “Mom”, her children, Ryon (Kelli) Kurth, Toby (Rebekah) Kurth and Courtney (Jon-Paul) Momsen.
One of the great joys of her life was being “Gobbie” and “Mimi” to nine grandchildren: Aidan, Ronan and Kellan Kurth; Hannah, Jonah and Cameron Momsen; Caleb, Jake and Graham Kurth. She adored her sister, Karen (Don, decd.) Miller, her late brother Doug Bernhardt, her brother Michael (Theresa) Bernhardt, sister-in-law, Deanne (Jon, decd.
) Vochatzer and an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We will miss her light, laughter and love. A private celebration of life will be held for the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to help an animal in need by making a donation to the Butte Humane Society in Sharon’s memory. Honor with Flowers In memory of Sharon Plant a Living Memorial In memory of Sharon.
