Sharon Michael Voelkel

Sharon Michael Voelkel, 64, of Bozeman, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017 after a prolonged illness. She was born February 21, 1953 in Great Falls, MT to Norbert and Jean (Bazant) Keslar.

Sharon was raised in Great Falls. She married Ben Duffey and together they raised three children: Tomas, Michael and Shannon. Sharon and Ben later divorced and she married Glenn Voelkel blending her family with his 5 children and several grandchildren. Sharon and Glenn also later divorced. Sharon, Ben, and Glenn stayed friends for life.

While raising children, she taught herself how to facet gem stones, specifically Montana sapphires. She often quipped “She taught herself to cut gemstones to feed her family.”

Sharon was well known for her skill in cutting gemstones. For many years, she was the only commercial account for Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine out of Phillipsburg, MT. Her career spanned over four decades and over ten thousand stones.

In the earlier years, Sharon resided in Helena. In 1998, Sharon moved to Bozeman. It was here that she began a committed relationship with Don Baide. The couple shared their love of gemstones, especially sapphires.

Sharon was a very multi-faceted woman; she was passionate about her family and showered them with love. Whether hanging elaborate Christmas decorations, offering her home cooking, or producing amazing candies and sweet baked goods, Sharon radiated her love.

She had a compassionate heart, especially for the injured and hurting, no matter the creature. She would want to heal you or at least try to help ease your pain.

She was involved with Compassionate Friends and sewed many a bed buddy (a neck pillow with rice, warmed to ease pain) and she sent many to friends who were experiencing chronic pain.

She enjoyed her art and producing many beautiful handmade gifts as another way of sharing her love.

The last couple of years had been difficult for Sharon, coping with her chronic pain and debilitating illnesses. Evan when confined to her bed, she was reaching out to friends and family and offering encouragement.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her son Tomas, ex-spouses Ben Duffey and Glenn Voelkel.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Michael and Sarah Duffey of Helena, MT; daughter and son-in-law Shannon Duffey and Jeremy Horlacher of Tacoma, WA; her life partner Don Baide of Bozeman, MT; Sharon is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and as well as her adopted children and friends.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be from 4 to 6 pm, Saturday, August 19 at the Dahl Funeral and Cremation Service Tribute Center.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or to your local animal shelter.