Sharon Arlene King

Sharon Arlene King, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. She was 75 years old.

Sharon was born on June 14, 1949, at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California, to Harris and Afton Robinson. She shared a special bond with her twin sister, Karen Elaine Griffiths, and the two remained best friends throughout their lives. She grew up in the East Los Angeles and Montebello areas of Southern California, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed a deep love for the Southern California beaches.

Sharon first met Jim King when she was just 11 years old, as she was best friends with his younger sister, Kenna. Years later, their paths crossed again at the BYU bookstore in September 1968, and from that moment, their love story began. Sharon and Jim dated and were married on September 10, 1969, in the Los Angeles California Temple. She put her education on hold to support their growing family but later earned her associate degree, a testament to her lifelong love of learning.

Following Jim’s graduation from BYU, the couple moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, for his new job. Five years later, they relocated to Puyallup, Washington, where they raised their four sons. Sharon embraced the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, sharing her love of nature with her boys. She was an explorer at heart, taking her sons on countless adventures—camping, hiking, boating, and fishing.

Determined to keep her mind active, especially after witnessing her mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, Sharon engaged in activities that challenged her intellect. She volunteered at a hospital hand rehabilitation center, joined book clubs, and taught her sons and grandchildren how to play chess. She found joy in music, theater, and writing letters to her boys while they were away. Sharon also worked at the Puyallup Washington Fair for many years alongside dear friends.

In 1995, Jim’s job took the family to Lehi, Utah, where they lived for seven years before moving to Chandler, Arizona, in 2003. Despite her efforts to maintain mental sharpness, Sharon was diagnosed in 2019 with “logopenic primary progressive aphasia,” a form of dementia. Knowing she would eventually lose her ability to communicate, she dedicated herself to documenting her life story. She wrote extensively about her family history, helping to organize and publish four extended family histories. In her later years, with the assistance of loved ones, she published five personal storybooks.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sharon lived a life of faith in Jesus Christ and service. She held many church callings, including roles in the Young Women and Relief Society organizations, as well as serving as a Cub Scout leader, a Boy Scout Board Member, and a Gospel Doctrine instructor. She was an ordinance worker in both the Mesa and Gilbert Arizona temples and always looked for ways to serve those around her with love and compassion.

Sharon cherished the holidays, creating warm and joyful celebrations for her family. She was a wonderful cook and took great pleasure in preparing meals for those in need. She delighted in babysitting, running errands, and offering acts of service. She loved watching sports, taking long walks, and most of all, spending time with her family. Her warmth, kindness, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Sharon’s love, faith in Jesus Christ, and dedication to family and service will be her lasting legacy. She will be dearly missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jim; her son Matthew and his wife, Annette, and their children, Adam (Lissa), Emily, Sofia, and Nathan; her son Michael and his wife, Sheri, and their children, Tyler, Austin, Caroline, and Colter; her son Samuel and his wife, Valerie, and their children, Caleb, Lucas, and Tate; and her son Joshua and his wife, Laura, and their children, Carden, David, Tanner, and Chloe. She is also survived by her older brother, David Robinson, and her twin sister, Karen Elaine Griffiths.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harris and Afton Robinson, and her older brother, Richard Robinson.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences. They would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care in Sharon’s final days.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Grove Meetinghouse, 3770 South Cooper Road, Chandler, AZ 85249.

The service will also be available to view online at: YouTube link (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIc7HBlH3p9VWjZBtoipVrA).