Sharon Darlene Martin

In Loving Memory of Sharon Darlene Martin. Our beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and friend, Sharon Darlene Martin, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 5, 2026, surrounded by love and the memories of a life well lived. Sharon was born on September 1, 1953, to Robert and Mary Lou Dake in Blue Lake, California. She deeply loved her hometown and

In Loving Memory of Sharon Darlene Martin. Our beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and friend, Sharon Darlene Martin, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 5, 2026, surrounded by love and the memories of a life well lived. Sharon was born on September 1, 1953, to Robert and Mary Lou Dake in Blue Lake, California. She deeply loved her hometown and treasured the lifelong friendships she formed while growing up there. She graduated from McKinleyville High School and carried those early connections with her throughout her life. Sharon was married to Ralph Martin, and together they welcomed their son, Jamie, in 1969. In 1973, she welcomed her daughter, Heidi. Later, she shared her life with Joe Luiz, and in 1978 they welcomed her daughter, Nikki. Above all else, Sharon was a devoted mother whose love for her children never wavered. She also lovingly raised Ariel Santos as her own. For many years, Sharon worked as an office manager at Ag Sales in Arcata, where her quick wit, humor, and kindness turned coworkers and customers into lifelong friends. Sharon had a deep love of books and could often finish two or more in a single day. She found peace in gardening and took joy in caring for her plants and flowers, reflecting the same patience and love she showed to everyone around her. In her younger years, she loved dancing and playing pool, always happiest where there was music and laughter. Later in life, she cherished traveling with her sisters and cousins, enjoying time at the casino, and most of all being with her grandchildren. Watching a movie with Sharon always meant hearing her playful commentary and her famous predictions of the ending, followed by her unmistakable laugh. She had a rare gift of making everyone feel welcome. Sharon never met a stranger. She made people feel seen, safe, and loved. When life felt overwhelming, she would smile and say, They cant eat you, and suddenly everything felt lighter. Though Sharon faced many hardships, they only deepened her compassion and strength. Her heart remained generous, open, and kind. She welcomed countless children and friends into her home and treated them as family. Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jamie; her partner, Terry Lawler; her parents, Robert Dake and Mary Lou and Domingo Santos; her brother in law, Allen Mann; and many cherished friends and family members. She is survived by her daughters, Heidi Varshock (Dave) and Nikki Naughton (Chris), and Ariel Santos; her grandchildren Jaysea Jennings, Bryr Steinle (Alexis), Sydney Varshock, Cody Slater, Bryson Lawler, Kenia Robles Hernandez, Riley Lawler, Brooklyn Lawler, and Austin Lawler; and a great grandbaby on the way. She is also survived by her sisters Lorelei Woods (Mark), Karen Mann, and Kristina Plisik (Mike); her brothers Rick Santos (Rebecca), Brett Santos (Suzette), and Randy Santos; her bonus sons Tommy Lawler, Robbie Lawler, and Dustin Lawler; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Azalea Hall in McKinleyville. There will be food, music, laughter, and love, just the way Sharon would have wanted. All who knew and loved her are welcome. Sharon will be remembered for her generous heart, her laughter, her love of books and plants, her resilience, and the way she welcomed everyone exactly as they were.

Special Thank You: A very special thank you to Shonna Conner for the love, patience, and unwavering care she gave our mom. We are forever grateful.