Sharon Jeanette (Hostler) Martinez

Sharon Jeanette Martinez (Hostler) -- loving mother, valued educator, and cherished friend -- peacefully left her earthly body, at age 76, in the early hours of Wednesday, October 20th 2021, in Logan, Utah.

On June 21, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri, Sharon was firstborn to father William Henry Hostler and mother Mary Icetus Lewis. Her earliest memories were spent between the bustling Gateway City, rural countryside of boot-heel Missouri and in the cotton fields of Arkansas, where her love of books, imagination and hard work ethic became some of her greatest companions. Sharon continued her love of travel and learning throughout her childhood, and later, as a military wife during her former marriage to Ramon Felix Martinez. Sharon strongly valued education and worked hard to train as a nurse, with small children at home, when living in Norfolk, Virginia. She remarked that her most peaceful and carefree moments were at the beach.

After relocating to Utah in 1977, Sharon bravely chose a midlife career change by attending Utah State University and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She was publicly awarded for her impact in the lives of her many young students, by nurturing and guiding them toward their own unique greatness. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she responded that all she ever wanted was to be a mother. Sharon was generous in sharing her home, “expand-a-meal” skills, handcrafted lotions, love and faith in God, and earned the title of “mom” with her children’s visiting friends and the teens she later fostered. Sharon embodied her values in social justice, education, and truly was a mother to many.

Her lessons, life, and memory will be honored by her surviving six children, Vincent, Manuel “Tony” (Dianne), Esteban “Steve” (Norma), Richard, Michael, and Leah; her siblings Glen (Rita) Woodruff, Yolanda (Ernie) Green, and sister-in-law Rita Hostler; 20 grandchildren, including Tasen Hazlett, with whom she shared a special bond; 21 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She is lovingly welcomed in spirit by previously departed parents, brothers Harrison and Victor, daughters-in-law Gail and Angel, and her many other cherished loved ones.

The family wishes to express sincerest gratitude for those involved in her final moments of care, including her longtime and trusted physician Dr. Vera Carlson, Cache Valley Hospital, and the thoughtful care of hospice staff at Intermountain and Logan Regional Hospital. We cherish the peace and comfort you provided.

Friends are invited to join together for a memorial service and celebration of life at White Pine Funeral Services chapel, 753 S 100 E, Logan, Utah, on Thursday, November 11, 2021, from 5-7 p.m., with a calling hour from 5-6 p.m. and service from 6-7 p.m. To attend services virtually, please use the following link; https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84186431341?pwd=S0pUUkhl...

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to White Pine Funeral Services.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4: 7-8