Sharon Elsie (Dufloth) Gerdung

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Elsie Gerdung at the age of 80 years old in the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Saturday, April 11, 2026.  Sharon is survived by her sons Albert (Karen Morrison) Gerdung of Brooks, Karl (Sandra) Gerdung of Caroline; and daughter Ruth (Calvin) Wandler of Red Deer; five grandchildren – Bryanne and Kayla Wandler, and Levi, Kallie and Luke Gerdung; her brothers Larry (Connie) Dufloth of Abbotsford, BC and Joe (Sandy) Dufloth of Chilliwack, BC; as well as her nieces and nephew, other relatives and a few dear friends. She was pre-deceased by her husband Hugo Gerdung, parents Ted and Barbara Dufloth, her twin sister Violet Wattenbarger, her oldest brother Ken Dufloth, her niece Cindy Wattenbarger and many other extended family members.

Sharon was born in High River, Alberta on November 20,1945 along with her twin sister Violet. Sharon’s family endured some challenging times growing up, as they moved around often in the early years, moving wherever her father could find work to support a family of 5 children. The family moved from High River to Rosedale in 1946, and then again in May of 1947 to Nacmine, into Drumheller until 1956, until her father found work in Kitimat BC. They spent a few years in Terrace BC, later to return and settle permanently in Drumheller where Sharon lived until she was married. Sharon held odd jobs in Drumheller clean houses, babysitting children, working at the hospital, and at the meat packers. At 22 years of age Sharon met the love of her life Hugo, through mutual friends and they married on June 22, 1968. They raised their 3 children on the farm by Rumsey, AB where they continued to live until Hugo’s passing. Upon her husband’s passing, Sharon moved to the Eckville Manor Seniors Home to be closer to the grandchildren, with her final move to Timberstone Mews Seniors Community which provided a closer watch and support from health care aids and medical practitioners.

Sharon was a hardworking and committed farm wife. Her focus was always on family, keeping strong connections with all her siblings and especially with her twin sister, who was also her best and closest friend until she’d passed. Maintaining close ties to extended family was always important to Sharon and Hugo, and they loved to entertain and host dinners with family and friends.

As a family, they would often enjoy an annual family vacation often to BC, which Sharon loved dearly.  As the kids moved away from the farm, Hugo and Sharon’s trips took them a little further from home and they were able to venture to Hawaii, take an Alaskan cruise and a trip to the East Coast. Sharon and her husband also took up a new hobby joining the dancing community where they met many new wonderful friends. 

Sharon was blessed with many talents, including her musical abilities like her parents, learning how to play the Hawaiian guitar following her mother’s lead. Beyond her artistic gifts, she loved to garden, sew, bake and craft. Her past times included sketching and creating many beautiful shell pictures. She’s made close to 50 intricate pictures over the years, with many being gifted to friends and family. Sharon became affectionately known over the years as “The Shell Lady”. Making shell art was one of her proudest accomplishments in life (next to raising her children and grandchildren). Sharon was an excellent cook but was best known for her pies, always making more than were needed, and always multiple flavours to chose from, especially her amazing pumpkin pie. Her greatest passion was spending time with the grandchildren sharing all her talents and zest for life. She had a gift to make those around her feel special and loved. Sharon will be lovingly remembered forever for her beautiful spirit, her smile and her laughter.

Services will be held for Sharon at Grace Lutheran Church, Drumheller, AB on Monday, April 20th at 1:30 PM.  A private interment for family and close friends will follow the service at the Rumsey Cemetery.  All are welcome to join the family for lunch at the Rumsey Community Hall after the interment.  Courtney-Winters Funeral Home are in care of the service arrangements.   

If anyone is wishing to offer an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made (if desired) to the Alzheimer’s Society, or to the STARS Foundation which the family continually supported.