Sharon K. Tillman

YAKIMA – Sharon K. Tillman, 68, died December 24, 2011, at Yakima Regional Hospital.

She was born November 8, 1943, in Hampton, Iowa, to Sanford and Lena Christian (Johnson). At a very young age, her family moved to Yakima, and then to Richland, in 1951.

Sharon attended Columbia High School in Richland and was a member of the drill team. She married Jerry Edwards and they had two children, Lance and Lori. She worked as a senior buyer for Hanford contractor, JA Jones, for many years. She was also a member of the Tri-City Corvette Club and enjoyed racing and road trips in her ’69 Sport Coupe.

She married her second husband Jim Tillman in 1976. For several years, Jim and Sharon owned a successful steak house in Richland, called Tillman’s Cattle Company. Later, Sharon moved to Jim’s hometown and managed the family store in Elmer City. While there she made many friends.

Sharon was proud of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed making lutefisk and lefsa for Christmas dinner; much to the chagrin of the non-Norwegian family members.

Sharon is survived by her children, Lance (Tina) Edwards of the Tri-Cities, Lori (Rich) Edwards-Olson of Yakima; grandchildren, Alexx Edwards, and Tanner, Cajun, Chase, and Brooke Olson; brothers Don (Dot) Hills of Richmond, Va.; Jimmy Hills of Elk Grove, Calif., and Gary (Deborah) Christian of Washougal, Wash.; stepchildren, Steve (Gini), Paul (Kathy), Chuck (Renee), and Jimmer (Courtney) Tillman, Julie Moomaw and Jacquie (Nate) Foss; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim; sister Sandra, and brother Wayne Christian.

A private memorial will be held by her family at a future date.