Sharon Cross 10/25/2025

Sharon Marie Cross; precious mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25 at Our House Senior Living in River Falls at the age of 84.

Sharon was born on August 16, 1941 in Ellsworth, WI to Curtis and Lillian (Reynolds) Leonard. She spent her early years in Beldenville attending the area’s one room schoolhouse. The family moved to River Falls when Sharon was eight. She graduated from River Falls Senior High School in 1959. She attended UW-River Falls which led to her first corporate position at 3M. The majority of her long career was in the life insurance industry. She held leadership positions in Operations and Underwriting. Her empathy, flexibility and open-minded approach to leadership was highly respected. She instilled in her children the importance of hard work and dedication, personal integrity and to treat everyone with kindness.

A woman of timeless beauty, grace and style Sharon had a zest for life, a quick wit and the ability to laugh at herself and to face any situation with strength and perseverance. Her favorite things were road trips with friends and family – often finding treasures along the way, a cup of piping hot black coffee, visits to the library for a mystery novel, tending her flowers and watching NFL football, especially the Packers and NBA basketball. She took great pride in her homes and was an impeccable house keeper. She had a sweet tooth like no one else. Sharon loved nature and all animals, donating generously to many animal causes. Her beloved cat Ike was always by her side and next to her in her final days.

Sharon found abundant joy and love in grandsons Clinton, Spencer, Alex, Jack and Victor. She loved each of them individually and uniquely. She spent countless hours at the ball field, hockey rink and basketball court cheering the boys on. She was so proud of their accomplishments in life whether small or large. Sharon welcomed two great grandsons in 2024. She anxiously looked forward to the births of Lennox Bradley and Brooks Austin.

She is survived by her children: Jodi (Brad) Kempf, Ron (Sarah) Bye; grandsons, Clinton (Baily) Kempf, Spencer (Lane) Kempf, Alex Bye, Jack (Nikki) Bye, Victor Bye; and great grandsons, Lennox Kempf and Brooks Kempf.

She is further survived by brother in-law, Duane Jensen of River Falls; many nieces and nephews and their families.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her sisters, brothers, and their spouses, Darlene and Jerry Huppert, Daryl (Sonny) Leonard, Kathleen (Peggy) and Duke Deal, John and Mary Ann Leonard, and Joanne Jensen.

Sharon was a beautiful light in this world – she will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Elli and the entire staff at Our House Senior Living for your compassion and care the last 2 ½ years. What you do is so important. Thank you also to Adoray Home Hospice for your care in Sharon’s last days. We are grateful.

Sharon’s family would like to invite everyone to a celebration of life open house, including a brunch of Sharon’s favorite breakfast food, on the morning of Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9:30 – 12:00PM at St Croix Lanes (1153 St Croix St) River Falls, Wisconsin.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.