Sharon Adele Bruce of LaCrosse passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the family she cherished, on July 25, 2026. She was 75.

Born on January 13, 1951, in Longview, Washington, to John and Beryl Krafczyk, Sharon moved with her family to LaCrosse just three years later, the place that would remain her lifelong home. A proud 1969 graduate of LaCrosse High School, she excelled as both a cheerleader and basketball player and loved softball and taking stats for the baseball team. Between her junior and senior years, she also spent two unforgettable months traveling extensively through Europe, immersing herself in the beauty and culture of numerous countries.

Sharon went on to attend Washington State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. While still in college, she married her high school sweetheart, Lynn Bruce, on July 10, 1971, in Pullman. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, building a life in LaCrosse centered on farming, raising cattle, and welcoming their two beloved daughters, Michelle and Kelli.

Sharon was a devoted lifelong homemaker and her girls’ number one fan, cheering them on through countless sports, activities, and horse shows across the country. She was an active member of many local clubs, a generous volunteer in the LaCrosse community, and a gracious hostess for countless parties, baby and wedding showers. For many years she coordinated the LaCrosse Junior Miss program and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. An avid collector of antiques, she loved attending estate sales and auctions, always searching for her next priceless collectible. She was also a college sports enthusiast, especially devoted to the Cougars, holding season tickets for both football and basketball and attending games for decades. Once a Coug, Always a Coug.

However, nothing compared to the pride and love she poured into her children and, later, her grandchildren. She attended as many of their events as she possibly could, always remaining their biggest cheerleader, loudest fan, and number one supporter. Sharon adored Christmas and delighted in making the season magical for her family. Known lovingly by her grandchildren as “Nana Claus,” she was the ultimate gift giver, finding pure joy in thoughtful surprises that made each person feel deeply known and cherished.

Sharon is survived by her beloved husband, Lynn, of LaCrosse; her daughters Michelle and her husband Tod Byers, and Kelli and her husband Bill Jenson, all of Spokane; and her grandchildren Kameron and his wife Emily Kinkade, Konner Kinkade and his fiancée Abbie Schwieder , KJ Kinkade, and Brooklyn and Asher Jenson, also of Spokane. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Beryl Krafczyk.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Whitman Hospital and Medical Center. A private service was held at the LaCrosse Cemetery on August 3, 2026, with Pastor Matt McNelly of Pullman officiating.