Sharon L. Gross

Sharon Lee (Jans) Gross. Born April 10, 1941 in Ogilvie, MN. Passed December 28, 2025 in Oak Park Heights, MN.

Survived by her husband of 48 years, Eugene. Children Janet (Mark) Oliver, Barb Ireland, Stephen Howard, Richard (Diane) Howard, Michael (Grace) Howard. Eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Sister to Donald (Virginia, d) Jans, Howard (Susan) Jans, Roger, d (Kathy, d) Jans.

Sharon's early years were spent in a very simple life. She attended several one-room schools, and lived on several farms around Minnesota. She then raised her family around the St Paul area.

Sharon was a long-time, very proud employee of The West Publishing Company. She started her career as a proofreader and messenger, and worked her way up the ladder to retire as Manager of the Manuscript Department.

Gene and Sharon enjoyed many happy and adventurous years of traveling, including several road trips pulling a camper throughout the United States. Some of their best memories included laugh-filled camping trips with a bunch of their square dancing friends. Also, they even worked in a trip to the Bahamas- famously during the rainy season. And they enjoyed the dream of a beautiful Alaskan cruise.

They finally settled on spending winters in Arizona, and escaped 15 Minnesota winters there. They took many side trips to discover Arizona with friends, especially their beloved travel companion, Gina. They made several visits to California and Nevada. During one of those trips, Sharon achieved her lifelong dream of seeing the California Redwoods.

Summers were meant for spending time at the lake, where Sharon enjoyed tending to her beautiful flower gardens and visiting with friends and family.

Sharon was well-known for her two very spoiled and beloved dogs, Baxter and Rosie. Together, they covered many miles on the walking trails. Rosie was famous for her hot pink fur-trimmed parka, with matching boots.

Sharon's love of animals extended to watching all forms of wildlife in the yard and through the countryside, and she had nicknames for several of them. Her favorite TV shows were the animal shows, where she learned about animals all over the world. She learned about farm animals through her favorite TV Vet, Dr. Pol.

Sharon leaves behind the memory of her smiling face, her ambition, and a legacy of love for her family and friends.

A celebration of Sharon's life will be Friday, January 30, 2026, 10:30 A.M. at Boutwells Landing Chapel, 5600 Norwich Parkway, Oak Park Heights.

Memorials preferred to an animal rescue charity.