Sharon Lynne Haffey

What can one say when they lose the love of your life, the mother of daughter and the Nana of their treasured grandson. Before the answer, a review of Sharon Kramarich Haffey's life is in order. Sharon passed after her loving family was by her side. She had suffered with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), a rare form of Parkinsonism. Sharon was diagnosed after visiting seven neurologists in Montana, two evaluations at the University of Washington and a follow-up at Mayo Clinic.

Sharon was born in Butte on January 26, 1951. She attended Sacred Heart/Jefferson grade school and graduated from Butte High in 1969. Education was her career destination. After graduating from Montana Tech, she acquired her teaching endorsement at the U of M. Sharon began a very successful teaching career at South Central in Butte. After a short stint at the Anaconda Job Corp as one of the first early female teachers, she completed twenty two years at Ramsay Elementary School as a reading and writing teacher. To this day, her students remember her as a gifted writing teacher who instilled basic grammar/writing skills. She always helped supervise the yearly Ramsay eighth grade sponsored trip to Yellowstone. Even in retirement, Sharon was a substitute for the Anaconda school district. It was always special when Anaconda students would see her at the Washoe Theater or in public and ask when she would sub again. Students respected her in an environment where teachers/substitutes are not always appreciated,

As a wife, Sharon was a most loving partner and best friend. She provided patience, understanding a strong foundation to our family. She was a matriarch who provided special meals for families at holidays and special events. As a step-mother to Tim and Joe, she provided love and thoughtful direction. As the mother of Annie Haffey Yerkich, she was the typical mother who instilled values of being honest, unselfish and thoughtfulness. Sharon had the privilege of teaching her daughter in addition to being her strongest supporter. When her grandson Fen was born, her life focus shifted. Nana, as she would be called, helped watch him through the preschool years as her parents worked.

Her loving care and guidance even continued throughout his early grade years at Ramsay Elementary. It should be noted that when Sharon stopped subbing in Anaconda, a common response by her colleagues was “I wish I had a new job like you”.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents Steve and Rita (Hipp) Kramarich, in-laws Joseph and Audrey(Head) Haffey, along with step-sons Tim and Joe.

She is survived by her husband J. Ray Haffey, daughter Annie/Jonny and grandson Fen. Her only brother Pat and Diane Kramarich and their four children, in-laws Ron and Lily Haffey and their one child, Connie and Terry Sheahan and their two children, Dan Haffey and his three children, Kevin and Vicky Haffey and their two children and Scott and Sheri and their one child. In addition, Sharon has numerous grandchildren.

There is no one answer when you lose a loved one. We all handle the passing of a loved one in our own way. However, there is a common thread. Memories! We are all fortunate to have made lasting memories. Dating, marriage and working together to have a loving home is usually a good start. Having children, school/activities and experiencing their ups and down build lasting memories. If or when a grandchild arrives, life enters a special phase. We just need to appreciate the treasures of life. When life throws you a curveball, everything can change. However, one thing remains. We make memories and can always keep them through pictures and stories. Sharon, I will always love you and will treasure the memories. Thank you Sharon for our precious 48+ years together.

I would like to express our family appreciation to Dr. Elizabeth Schiedermayer, the Anaconda Hospice and Hospital staff as well as numerous friends (especially Michelle/Bill and Brenda/Rick). Any donations should be made to the Dignity in Direction Scholarship Fund at First Montana Bank or Anaconda Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at Fairmont Hot Springs on Friday, August 28, 2026. Time will be announced on August 21, 2026.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Sharon and her family.