Sharon Ann Hawley

Sharon Ann (Searl) Hawley passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at her home on March 29, 2026.

She was born on June 4, 1948, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Kenneth and Immogene Searl.

She met her husband, Dale Eugene Hawley, while working in Boulder, Colorado, and after just two weeks of a whirlwind romance, they were engaged. They were married on July 6, 1974, beginning a life together full of adventure.

Together, they lived in many places across the United States. They lived in Boulder and Louisville, Colorado, where their children were born, until 1982 when they moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1984, they moved to Russell, Pennsylvania, and in 1988 to Libby, Montana, where they spent 14 years working and raising their children. In 2002, they made the brave and bold decision to move to Arlington, Virginia, where they embraced everything Washington, D.C. had to offer for the next three years. In 2005, they settled in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where they lived together until Dale’s passing on November 16, 2009.

In 2020, Sharon made the difficult decision to leave Meadville and return to Montana, moving to Missoula to be closer to her children and grandchildren. While she treasured that time deeply, she never quite got over the ache of leaving Pennsylvania, the soft ground, the hard trees, her “lodge” on the lake, and the dear friends she left behind.

Sharon lived a life rooted in independence, quiet strength, and deep love for her family. Her greatest joy, without question, was her family. She was intentional with her time, especially with her grandchildren. When she was with them, she was fully present, never distracted, never reaching for her phone, making sure they always knew they were her priority.

She found happiness in the little things: watching birds at the feeder, sitting on her porch sharing drinks (and cigarettes) and conversation with friends, spring flowers, especially daffodils, and watching her grandchildren play together and form lifelong bonds.

Sharon showed her love in thoughtful and lasting ways. She was a careful and intentional gift giver, and our Christmas trees will forever be weighed down with her individually hand-picked ornaments, each one a small, meaningful reminder of her. She also made sure no visit to Grammy’s was complete without Tootsie Pops, Oreo cookies, and ginger ale waiting.

She loved her faith and God deeply and was a voracious reader, always learning and growing in her faith.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ken Searl; her beloved husband, Dale Hawley; and her granddaughter, Daliah Noel Hawley. She missed her husband deeply, and after nearly 17 years apart, we find comfort in knowing she is finally home with him and at peace. The thought of her arriving in Heaven just before the Easter celebration is something we find joy in, even as we mourn her passing.

She is survived by her brother, Bob Searl (Deb); her son, Travis Hawley (Jihan), and their children, Malek and Asher; and her daughter, Kate Lynn (Cliff), and their children, Spencer, Ruth, and Opal Rose. She is also survived by her companion, Jerry, her very loved and very spoiled dog.

Sharon will be missed every day, in the big moments, and even more so in the small ones. She was the kind of person you will miss quietly and constantly.

A memorial service and reception to follow, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Waypoint Church, where Sharon was a member. Address: 1100 S. Higgins Ave., Missoula, MT

Sharon will be laid to rest with her husband, in Arlington National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. You can do this by selecting the donate option, and then further selecting to donate in someone's name.