Thief River Falls – Sharyn “Shari” (Amiot) Larson, 66, of Thief River Falls, passed away on the morning of March 21, 2023, in the comfort of her home, with family by her side.
Shari was born on December 17, 1956 in Thief River Falls, to Clarence and Betty (Bakke) Amiot. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1975, and was a proud member of the TRFinettes during her time there. She then attended Northland College for her medical secretary degree, and married Mark Larson on May 5, 1979 at Zion Lutheran Church. Shari was truly TRF-born and raised.
Shari had a quick wit and an even bigger smile. Her sense of humor truly lit up the room; people gravitated toward her. Nobody could make you laugh like Shari.
Shari’s four kids, all born in March, were her whole world. She’s been their biggest cheerleader for all their lives. Even the family dog, Checkers, tagged along behind her for what felt like decades. Known for having a welcoming home in the neighborhood, nobody could embrace chaos like Shari.
She loved traveling, cooking, gardening, and turtles. She loved a good murder mystery and listening to music, especially Bruce Springsteen. She made the best chocolate chip cookies. She enjoyed being outside, going for walks, and spending time at the family hunting cabin. She was Total Betty’s #1 supporter. Everyone who knew Shari, knew about her love for a cold Diet Coke. Nobody could drink Diet Coke or pour it into a glass like Shari.
She loved holidays, traditions, but more so, spending time with family. She made her children and grandchildren feel so very loved and special. She was absolutely tickled that she finally had a grandchild in town and got to spend a lot of time with him. It really helped her through her cancer treatments.
Shari was a generous gift giver (and would apologize that the gift wasn’t perfect), was always offering to help or donate, taught Sunday School for many years, and ran a home daycare until her youngest entered elementary school. Shari spent the last 22 years working at Digi-Key.
Shari will be remembered for far more than her medical diagnosis because it never defined her. Shari beat cancer every day. Every day she continued to love and to live with her whole heart. When she laughed, and when she smiled, when she enjoyed the sunshine and snuggled her grandkids… She prayed for others going through similar sicknesses and kept hope alive for herself, too. After nearly two and a half years, Shari has been freed from cancer.
Shari is survived by her mother, Betty Amiot, of Thief River Falls; husband, Mark, of Thief River Falls; daughters, Carissa (Charles) Larson-Conduah of Mahtomedi, and Rebecca (Dustin) Larson-Isaak of Thief River Falls; sons, Ben (Holly) Larson of Moorhead, and Andrew (Beth) Larson of Moorhead; five grandchildren, Isaac and Adrien Conduah, Evelyn and Madeline Larson, and Louie Isaak. She is also survived by brothers, Douglas (Dana) Amiot of Thief River Falls, and Bryan (Melinda) Amiot of Staples; brother-in law, John (Sharon) Larson of Moorhead; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends.
Shari was preceded in death by her dad, Clarence; father-in-law, Albert (Cliff) Larson; and mother-in-law, Carmen Larson; and many dear aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating.
Visitation will be held starting at 5 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday.
Condolences may be sent at JohnsonFuneralService.com
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