Sharon Louise Cyphers

Sharon Louise Cyphers of The Dalles, Oregon, went home to be with Jesus on September 13th, 2024. Sharon was born on October 18th, 1947, in Newberg, Oregon, to Ellsworth and Beulah Hubbell. The youngest of three children, she was preceded in death by both of her parents as well as her brother Larry Hubbell of The Dalles. Her sister Beverley Bassette resides in Hollywood, California.

Sharon was a lover of life, and people. Her childhood encompassed many adventures, and she loved the outdoors. Fishing, climbing trees, exploring her territory were a few favorites. Sharon would find joy in it all. Her Father was a Teacher and Pastor with The Church of Christ whose work took them throughout Oregon, from Newberg to Dundee to Roseburg to Maupin. She loved each place, but had a special fondness for the “bake oven” hills of Maupin. She had great memories of sitting on those hills with sister Beverley watching the day go by. At age 11, Sharon’s Mother Beulah passed away suddenly not long after they had moved back to the Portland area. It was there that she attended Columbia Christian School. Five years later, at age 16 she graduated as Valedictorian of her graduating class and met her lifetime partner Steve. Shortly after school she moved to The Dalles, Oregon, to be closer to Steve and his family.

Sharon and Steve were married on September 12th of 1964, they celebrated their 60-year anniversary the day before she passed. From the moment they met they knew God had a grand plan for their lives. Two years after they married, they had their first child, John. Within another year and a half their second child James came along. Sharon and Steve moved to Southern California with their two young boys to be near her sister Beverley and seek an adventure for them and their sons. After a couple years they decided they missed Oregon too much and came home to The Dalles. Not long after returning they had their third child, a daughter Geneva. She was named after Steve’s Mother who passed away only a few months before their daughter was born. About two years later their fourth child, and third Son Joshua was born. Not long after that they moved their family to a lovely property in the midst of the cherry orchards surrounding The Dalles.

Life was always filled with family, friends, and celebration. A loving and supportive wife, and Mother Sharon was always caring for and thinking of others. She didn’t meet a person who wasn’t instantly welcomed into her home and her heart. Even if you hadn’t seen her for years, she would welcome you like family. She was well known for her contagious, distinctive laugh and her children knew that if they could not find her in the store all they had to do was listen for her laugh. Their childhood summers were filled with cousins and friends coming to visit and Sharon always saw to it they had a great time.   

For the next thirty years they would move between The Dalles and Portland, but in 2000 they moved permanently back to The Dalles where she spent the remainder of her life. A lifelong learner, Sharon continued earning degrees as she attended multiple colleges well into her 40s. Sharon was a wiz at math and had an extensive memory. It never failed if one stopped by for an evening visit that they might find Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy playing at the house. Forget about trying to answer any of the questions, she’d be shouting them out before the question was fully asked. She even had the opportunity to go on a local game show called On The Spot, and to try out for Wheel of Fortune with her son Josh. Sharon was a dedicated worker and worked many jobs throughout her life. Her last two careers were 20 years for NW Natural Gas, and then in her last ten years of work before retirement she taught at Colonel Wright Elementary in the Title One program. Though her dream was to be a Marine Biologist, she loved working with the kids and her job brought her much fulfillment. Over the years she would run into students in town who recognized her and would have a kind word of appreciation for her, this brought her pure joy. In her free time, she took up hobbies like advocating for animals, bird watching and spent evenings with her telescope learning about the constellations. She loved taking long walks near the water, and continually marveled at the beauty of where she lived, the Columbia River Gorge. Oftentimes she met friends for lunch, or even at the grocery store for a laughter filled chat.

Even with such a full life, Sharon’s greatest fulfillment and joy was her husband, 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She loved each one with all she had. The years beheld a plethora of fantastical holiday gatherings that often included her beloved siblings, nieces, and nephews as well. Sharon loved to host the holidays, Christmas being her favorite. The counters and table would be decked out with delicious goodies and a mouthwatering dinner every time. Popcorn Christmas trees, nuts to crack, homemade fudge, and much more come to mind, many of which were set for delivery to a family friend. She had an exceptional gift of picking just the right present for every member of the family, as well as being available for each person individually aside from that. She knew how to make you feel loved.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Steven Cyphers of The Dalles. Son, John Cyphers, granddaughters, Luna and Margaux Cyphers all of Beaverton. Son, James Cyphers, grandson, Weslee Cyphers, wife Hannah and great-grandchildren, Norah Lou and Oliver, granddaughter Emily Mortenson, husband Jim, and great-grandchildren Emmitt and Hazel all of The Dalles. Daughter, Geneva Snow, grandson Caleb Snow of The Dalles, granddaughter Caitlan Snow, husband Izaac and great grandsons Eli, Mason, and Beckham of Minnesota. Son, Josh Cyphers, wife Cathy and grandsons Hayden (University of Idaho) and Tucker Cyphers of Beaverton.

Sister, Beverley Bassette of Hollywood, sister-in-law, Charlotte Cyphers of Portland, stepsister, Bennye Wright of Vancouver. Many beloved aunties, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and “adopted” kids. She was also preceded in death by her beloved niece, Cindi Garver of The Dalles, stepmother, Aleda Hubbell of Vancouver, and brother-in-law David Cyphers of Portland.

There will be a public viewing at Spencer Libby and Powell in The Dalles Friday October 18th from 12:00-8:00. A private family burial Saturday, October 19th, followed by a Celebration of Life October 19th at 1:00pm at the Mid-Columbia Church of Christ in Dallesport, Washington, where everyone is welcome. 

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the local paramedics, police department and Chaplain who showed great kindness the day of Sharon’s passing, Mid-Columbia Church of Christ for their continued time and love, and to all of the wonderful family and dear friends who’ve come to visit, called and brought flowers and food. You are appreciated more than you know.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.