Sharon Verdugt

Sharon Marie Verdugt, 70, passed away Monday, August 12, 2024, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, surrounded by her family.  

Sharon’s Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the St. Lawrence Community Park with Dawn Mutchelknaus leading the service.  

Burial will be held at a later date with family. In lieu of a viewing, the family will be having a memorial gathering at 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2024, at the residence of her daughter, Joni Weaver, in Vayland. There will be a fire and reminisce on memories, joys, and Sharon's tales. All are welcome to join.

Sharon was born November 19, 1953, in Miller, SD to Leonard and Zona (Ford) Verdugt. Sharon was the youngest of four daughters. She grew up in St. Lawrence, SD, and attended St. Lawrence Elementary School, Miller High School, before graduating from Waubay High School in 1971. Later in life, Sharon attended Southeast Technical College for a period of time before having her first child, Laramie.  

After high school, Sharon lived in Arizona and Nevada for a short time after high school. Following her time in Arizona and Nevada, she moved to Sioux Falls, SD, married her first husband, Ron Urban, and had her first child, Laramie Urban. After Ron and Sharon separated, Sharon moved to Pierre, SD., and was married to Jerry Gortmaker. To this union, a second son, Jeremy (JD) Gortmaker was born. Sharon moved home after her divorce from Jerry and began dating Ron Hammill in 1989, who became her life partner. Sharon then had her third and final child, Joni Hammill. 

Sharon had the biggest heart and was kind to her core. She always loved to have a good time and make great memories. Over the years, Sharon had bred and raised many animals, with horses and dogs being her true love and passion. Her children grew up around animals, learning to care for them, love them, and show them grace. Sharon loved to play with the young foals, even when they were pretty spicy. She spent many summers traveling with her daughter, Joni, to barrel races and going to trail riding events. This is where her soul was full, while she was with her animals.  

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Joni (Brady) Weaver; life partner, Ron Hammill; sisters: JoAnne (Frank) Lockner, and Kay (Don) Boynton and their families; grandchildren: Cheyenne (Tyala) Urban, Cody Urban, Bailey Urban, Coy Urban, Rose Weaver, Hadley Weaver, and Presley Weaver.  

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Verdugt; her mother, Zona Verdugt; her sister, Virginia (Jeanie) Hannum; her two sons, Laramie Urban and Jeremy (JD) Gortmaker; and her granddaughter, Jolene Weaver.  

Sharon will be remembered for her kind soul and always being willing to listen. You knew that if you needed someone to talk to, Sharon was always there to lend an ear or a helping hand. She will be deeply missed by her dear friends and family.  

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Sharon’s arrangements.