Sharon Chase-Arbour, 88

Sharon L. Chase-Arbour, 88, born September 13th, 1937 in Yakima Washington to Isabel “Rusty” and Kenneth Harris, passed peacefully in her home May 13th, 2026. Sharon, known for her loving handwritten letters and cards and her relentless drive to help others, was an elementary school teacher for 30+ years. She retired from the Evergreen school system in 1991. Beyond her exemplary years as a teacher, Sharon lovingly raised a family and gave endlessly of her time and talents to charities throughout the Flathead Valley such as Central School Museum, Samaritan House, Creston Auction and many more. A member of the first Presbyterian Church of Kalispell and a lifetime honoree of Presbyterian Women, Sharon worked all year to create crafts to donate to the annual church bazaar. She was a happy member of the Lunch Bunch, a close-knit group of hiking friends who met every Wednesday at a different restaurant in Kalispell to enjoy and support one another. Sharon was known as a true friend whether she’d known you for decades or just met you on the corner. She was always there for others and worked tirelessly to spread love and kindness wherever she went. Sharon enjoyed life and was fond of saying “Today is a good day for a good day.” She had many diverse interests from teaching to horse racing (as an owner and a fan), to hiking, gardening, sewing, knitting, and reading. Sharon loved to travel and lived a fun and happy life. She was proud of her many years of work at the Flathead County Fairgrounds and volunteered tirelessly for various other local events throughout her life. 

Married in 1960 to Jerry Chase, their son, Joseph, was born in 1964 and they adopted a daughter, Susan, in 1973. Jerry and Sharon taught school and raised thoroughbred horses and their children until his death in 1984. Sharon was a wonderful loving and giving mother who enjoyed dozens of adventures with her son, Joseph, throughout her life. In 1992, Sharon met, and later married, Hector Arbour, who filled her with joy and adventured and traveled with her throughout the U.S., Europe, and beyond. They lived life with love and passion right up until Hector passed away in 2007. Sharon was also preceded in death by her parents, Ken and “Rusty”, her brother, Stan Harris, and her in-laws, Ralph and Thelma Chase, Terry Chase, and Joyce Chase. Sharon is survived by her devoted son, Joseph, as well as Susan and her family, niece Diane Caldwell and family, nephew Jeff Harris, many cousins in Yakima, Wash., and her extended family, the Edwards clan; Sam, Amy, Brigden, and Ever, and Darcy, Gwynn and Kim. Sharon also leaves behind “daughter” Nikki Asmundson, as well as many loving members of the Arbour family. 

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at first Presbyterian Church in Kalispell on Friday, June 26 at 1 p.m.  In lieu of flowers her family asks that donations be given to local charities such as the Veterans Pantry, Abby Shelter, Samaritan House, or the Creston volunteer Fire Department. Sharon also worked tirelessly for the Christian Appalachian Project. This mission will be carried on by her friends at church and her son Joseph. Donations to CAP can be left at the church during Sharon’s memorial or at any time and will be hand-delivered to Kentucky in October in her honor.