Sharon Norris Finch

Sharon Norris Finch, 80, of Eagar, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020. Sharon was born on March 23, 1940 in Eagar to Wallace and Beulah Eagar Ashcroft.

After graduating from Round Valley High School in 1958, she attended BYU and ASU; earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Sharon served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina from 1963-1965. In 1967 Sharon married her eternal companion Ray Norris, a rancher and teacher from Cliff, New Mexico. Over the next 23 years, Sharon and Ray lived in Eagar, Animas, Portal and Willcox; ranching, teaching school, and raising their family. After Ray’s death in 1990, Sharon moved to Springerville to teach school and be closer to family. In 1994 she married long-time family friend Darrow Richins and moved to Cotton City, New Mexico. Sharon retired and enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and neighbors, serving in church callings and caring for others. Darrow passed away in 2013. Sharon married her former high school classmate, John Stanley Finch in 2017. She and Stan enjoyed being with family and friends in their hometown of Eagar.

Sharon was a valiant disciple of Jesus Christ and loved sharing the gospel with others. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend; as well as a caring teacher. She spoke fluent Spanish, loved taking care of others and never knew a stranger. She had a profound impact on so many and will be deeply missed. 

Sharon was preceded in death by her siblings, Bobbie (Dean) Bowdoin, Ross (Marcia) Ashcroft, Phil Ashcroft and LaVerl (Nona) Ashcroft. 

Sharon is survived by the Norris children: Paul (Lea Ann) Norris, Rae Anna (Shane) Hunt, Nancy (Dan) Stufflebeam, Patty (Shawn) Dee; by Darrow’s children: Buddy (Liana) Richins, Wendy (Jan) Hintze, Russell (Carla) Richins, Kenneth (Dani) Richins, Shellie (Sam) Gardner, Jeff (Denise) Richins, Scott (Paralee) Richins; by Stan and his children: Debbie Schnoor, Joe (Debby) Finch, Tina (Scott) McCabe, Troy (Dawn) Finch, sisters, Susan Martin and Wallis Mayhew and sisters-in-law, Lucille Ashcroft and Elaine Ashcroft and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

A funeral service will be held Friday, November 13, 2020 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eagar Stake Center, with visitation one hour prior. A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Cliff-Gila Mesa Cemetery in Gila, New Mexico.