NEW HAMPTON — Sharon Kay Johnson, a lifelong New Hampton woman whose world centered on family, home, humor and the simple pleasures that made everyday life meaningful, died peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Accura HealthCare of New Hampton. She was 85.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. A 7:00 p.m. service will follow the visitation, with Rev. Cory Orr of Prairie Lakes Church presiding. A private family interment will take place at New Hampton Cemetery.
Born July 7, 1940, Sharon was the daughter of Irene Hatcher Horsley Hanson and was lovingly raised by her great-aunt and great-uncle, Roy “Joppy” and Hattie Hatcher. She spent her entire life at the same address in New Hampton, first growing up in the large red brick house that stood there, then raising her own family in that same place before later building a new home on the property.
Sharon was part of the New Hampton High School Class of 1958 and later proudly completed her high school education and received her diploma. On December 14, 1957, she married Walter “Wally” Johnson. Together they built a family and shared nearly 20 years of marriage before Wally’s death in 1977.
For many years, Sharon worked in the meat departments of local grocery stores, where she became a familiar face to customers and co-workers. Her work brought her into contact with many people around town, including one teasing teenager who later became her grandson-in-law, Jason — a family connection that became a favorite piece of her life story.
Sharon was known for her independence and self-reliance. She did not ask for much and preferred to handle things her own way. But when it came to family, she gave freely of her time, attention and love. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and family gatherings gave her some of her happiest moments.
She loved long visits at home, car rides with her children, and hearing about the lives of those she loved. Her family will remember not only the big milestones, but the ordinary moments that became precious with time.
Sharon also had a sharp eye for bargains and a love of decorating. Garage sales brought her joy, and her home reflected her belief that everything had a place. She enjoyed reading and made regular trips to the library, later reading hundreds of books each year on her Kindle. Cozy mysteries were among her favorites.
She had a fondness for cardinals and what they symbolized, loved the color green, and carried a sense of humor that could brighten a room. Sharon was quick with a witty comeback and had a way of finding humor in everyday conversation.
She is survived by her daughter, Barb Snyder and her husband Dave; sons Steve Johnson and his wife Kathy, Randy Johnson, and Ricky Johnson and Susan Wurzer; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, with two more expected soon; a half brother, Scott Hanson; half sisters Karen Davis and Melody Armstrong and her husband Frank; brother-in-law Lowell “Bunny” Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Hanson; her great-uncle and great-aunt, Roy “Joppy” and Hattie Hatcher; her husband, Walter Johnson; her half brother, Victor Hanson; her grandson, Jesse Johnson; her granddaughter, Nikki Johnson Schluetter; sisters-in-law Donna Hatting, Darlys Cutsforth and Helen Stolfus; and brother-in-law Wayne Davis.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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