Sharon Rose Mesenko

Sharon Rose Mesenko passed away on February 1 at home, surrounded by family. She was born December 4, 1940, in Anaconda, Montana, and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1958.

In August 1959, Sharon married Fred J. Mesenko. They honeymooned in Yellowstone National Park, where they famously survived the 7.3-magnitude Hebgen Lake earthquake; a fitting beginning to a life marked by resilience, grit, and more than a few good stories.

Sharon and Fred made their home in Missoula, where they raised three children and built a life rooted in community. In the 1970s, Sharon worked as an Avon Lady while raising her family, and she dedicated time and energy to fundraising for the March of Dimes. She had a natural gift for connecting with people: a sharp, sarcastic wit, quick humor, and an uncanny ability to discover a shared friend or familiar name in almost any conversation.

She loved music and kept it close throughout her life, whether playing in the background of her home or woven into everyday moments. Music, like conversation, was something she felt deeply.

Sharon and Fred shared a deep love for the outdoors. They spent countless hours hunting and trail bike riding in places inaccessible by vehicle, always chasing the quiet and the views. Together, they devoted a significant part of their lives to the Missoula Trap and Skeet Club, running concessions, managing staff, and competing in tournaments throughout the region. They later owned The Long Shot Sporting Goods store, located on South Avenue near the Southgate Mall entrance, a place that reflected both their passion and work ethic.

Sharon spent the remainder of her professional life through the 1980s with the Montana Power Company as a Service Dispatcher, where she worked until health challenges forced her to leave on long-term disability.

Much of Sharon’s life was shaped by her long battle with lupus. The disease brought relentless challenges, but she carried them like a hardened warrior, fiercely determined, deeply stubborn in the best way, and unwilling to let illness define her spirit. She became well acquainted with the medical community yet never surrendered her independence or strength. Despite everything, she found joy in her home and garden overlooking Missoula, where she took pride in the life she built.

Sharon is survived by her children: Mark Mesenko and his son, Lucas Mesenko; daughter Grace Mesenko and son Henry Mesenko; Brian Mesenko and his daughter McKenzie Mesenko; and Shelley Mesenko-Mahan (Mark Mahan), daughter Sydney Mahan, and son Sterling Mahan. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Sean Mahan and Cyrus Papadatis-Mahan. She is survived by her brother, Edward Holloron, and nieces Belinda, Melissa, and Karen, all of whom she was very proud of.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Mesenko; her grandson, Sean Mahan; her sister, Betty Tichenor; and her parents, Edward and Annetta Holloron.

At Sharon’s request, there will be no memorial service, just a private family gathering. Memorial remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.