Sharon Ivaska went home to be with her Lord after a three and a half year battle with breast cancer on January 5, 2009. Born Sharon Elisabeth Bayles on September 23, 1949, she married Paul Ivaska on April 4, 1970.

Despite a lifetime of significant health challenges, Sharon lived her life with an authentic faith and deep love and encouragement for her family and friends. She spent nearly 40 years serving in ministry with her husband, Paul, and was the mother of two sons, Erik and Mikael. In that time, Sharon and Paul served several churches and ministries, including 16 years at Bethel Evangelical Free Church on Vashon.

Sharon lived her life with authenticity and joy, recognizing that hardships and trials could not compete with the hope provided by faith in Jesus Christ. Those who love her remember her shining smile, her willingness to provide constant encouragement and prayer, and the sincerity with which she shared her life. Her faith continues to serve as a powerful example for her family and friends.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Paul and her two sons, Erik and Mikael, of Seattle; her mother, Marian Bloomer, of Rocklin, California; her sister, Donna Sanders of Weed, California; her brother David Bayles of Corvallis, Oregon; her sister Carole Schwab of Rocklin, California, and several loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, January 17 at Vashon Island Community Church.

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com

(paid obituary)