Sharee Marie Zyph of Hermiston passed away in Hermiston on Sept. 17, 2023 at the age of 86.
She was born on Oct. 1, 1936 in Walla Walla, Wash. to Frank and Wythle Downs Whitcomb.
As a child of the World War II era, she was raised by her grandmother through most of her pre-teen years. She graduated from Pendleton High School in the class of 1955.
Sharee soon thereafter married and gave birth to sons, Jeffery and Steven and daughter, Kathryn before the couple divorced. Sharee spent the next 20 years looking for a soul mate. In 1981 she found that special person and became Mrs. Joseph Zyph Sr. The union added children, Joseph (Joey) Jr., Stephanie, Rick and Thomas to her family. As time went by they were blessed with 18 grandchildren.
Sharee and Joe’s greatest love was the Pendleton Round-Up, where they both supported it by volunteering at the Round-Up and the Main Street Cowboy and Side Saddler for over 30 years.
Even though the last years of her life were spent battling Alzheimer’s, she was so grateful to have her husband and children’s loving support to the end.
Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Sharee’s life from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at the Pilot Rock Community Center to remember a one-of-a-kind special lady.
Family suggests memorial donations in Sharee’s honor be made to Alzheimer’s or dementia research.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
