Sharon Kay Wenrich

Sharon Kay Wenrich, a beloved educator and advocate for children, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington. Born on August 25, 1951, in Wellington, Kansas, and having grown up in Oregon, Sharon dedicated 38 years of her life to teaching special education and grades 1 through 3 in Oregon and Washington.

Sharon earned a Master’s degree in Education, specializing in Special Education, from the Oregon College of Education—now known as Western Oregon University. Beyond her career, Sharon was an active presence in her community, embracing her calling as a volunteer. She took pride in her work as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and volunteered with the Special Olympics, showcasing her unwavering desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Known for her generosity, Sharon always went above and beyond to ensure that her students and the foster children under her care had everything they required to thrive. She believed that every child deserved the chance to succeed, and she poured her heart into making that belief a reality.

To her, teaching was more than just a profession; it was a calling. Sharon often remarked that she felt she never worked a day in her life because she genuinely loved her job. Her unwavering belief in her students inspired numerous lives, echoing her mantra that anything is possible.

Sharon is survived by her daughters, Kara Wenrich and Trista Wenrich; her grandchildren, Shilah Campos, Clover Campos, and Huslu Campos; her brother, Fritz Wenrich (Delia); her sister, Nita Belles (Dan); and her stepsister, Charlotte Holland (Rex). She is also remembered by her niece, nephews, many cousins, and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Benjamin Wenrich; her mother, Marjorie Ruth Wells; and her stepmother, Louise Baker Wenrich.

Sharon will always be remembered for her generosity, dedication to education, and her love for the children she touched throughout her life. A Celebration of Life will be announced in the future in conjunction with the launch of a Little Free Library honoring her. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics or National CASA.