Obituary of Sharon Heffner, 87
Sharon Anita Heffner.
– Our beloved mother and grandmother, Sharon Anita Heffner, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 4th, 2026, at the age of 87.
Sharon was born on January 23, 1939, in Atascadero, CA to Albert Salyer and Mildred Dougherty, but spent most of her life in Napa, California. She graduated from high school in 1957 and went on to work for Napa State Hospital, Napa County Probation, and Napa Valley College, where she later retired.
Sharon met the love of her life, Robert Heffner, while he was serving in the United States Navy, and the two married in Napa in 1962. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and adventure, spending time at various duty stations around the world, including Germany, Scotland, Japan, and others. While stationed in Scotland, they lovingly adopted their son, Robert, completing their family and beginning a lifelong journey of devotion and care.
Sharon was a woman of deep faith with a generous, kind, wise, and loving heart. She cared deeply for her family and friends and showed that love in countless ways throughout her life. She shared an especially meaningful bond with her daughter-in-love, Donna, who was truly a daughter to her in every way that mattered, and with her granddaughters, Tiffany and Kristina.
She found joy in crocheting, reading, cheering on the San Francisco Giants, and collecting unique and beautiful jewelry that reflected her individuality and personal style. She especially treasured the regular visits she shared with her nephew, Aaron, whose time and companionship brought her great joy. In her younger years, she even enjoyed archery-a special glimpse into her adventurous spirit. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, faith, wisdom, and the love she so freely gave to those around her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Robert; her parents, Albert and Mildred; and her siblings, Robert, Danny, and Kathleen.
Sharon is survived by her son, Robert. She is also survived by her daughter-in-love, Donna Bender; her grandchildren, Tiffany Holland, Kristina Goodrich, and Stefan Heffner; and her great-grandchildren, Allison, Noah, and Evelynn Holland; Elijah and Alexis Stinson; and Jaxon and Olivia Goodrich.
Her loving legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a profound and lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warmth, faith, wisdom, and devotion to family and friends will continue to be felt for generations to come, carried forward in the lives of those she loved so deeply.
The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Stayman Estates for the wonderful and compassionate care Sharon received during the final chapter of her life, and to Anchor Hospice for the comfort, dignity, and support they provided throughout her end-of-life care.
A memorial service and celebration of Sharon’s life will be held on July 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at CrossWalk Community Church in Napa, California. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a deeply loved woman whose faith, kindness, and love left an enduring mark on all who knew her.
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