Caledonia Argus

Posted: 1/17/04

Portia Sharpless

Portia E. Sharpless, 93, of Caledonia, MN, died Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at her home. She was born May 10, 1910 in Wymore, NE, to Frank F. and Nellie (Kriter) Fulton.

Portia earned her nursing degree from Bryan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Lincoln, NE, on November 27, 1931. She then worked as a nurse at Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. In 1942 Portia obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Minnesota. On December 31, 1943 she married John B. Sharpless of St. Paul. After his passing in 1972, Portia relocated to her rural farm outside of Caledonia.

She was active in the Quilt Club of Spring Grove for many years. Portiaís love of gardening and flowers never waned. She also loved her farm and the many good friends she knew.

Survivors include three children, John Sharpless II, Madison, WI, James (Susan) Sharpless, Las Vegas, NV, and Nadine (James) Wise, Spring Grove; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Wilda Parsons, Cottendal, AL.

In addition to her husband, Portia is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister.

A Celebration of Portiaís life will be held Friday, January 23, with an open house from 4-7 p.m. at the Four Seasons Community Center, Caledonia. In accordance with her wishes, Portiaís body will be cremated and entombed at the side of her husbandís in the Lakewood Cemetery, Mausoleum, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, Caledonia, is in charge of arrangements.

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