Obituary of Sharon I. Rideout

Sharon I. Rideout, 75, wife of Harry F.  Rideout, died at home with family at her side on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. She was born April 25, 1945 in Caribou, the daughter of Ernest E. and Hazel A. (Swimm) Sponberg.  She prided herself as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and woman of great faith.  She graduated from Ricker College with a degree in English and spent some of her years in teaching.  She was blessed to be able to stay at home raising her family.  As she put it “I always wanted to be a wife and mother”. Sharon loved her Country and was often seen in her favorite colors: red, white, and blue. She will be remembered for always writing a kind note, sending it the “old fashioned way”.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 54 years, Harry F. Rideout. Her daughters, Hollie (Pete) Williams of Clarkston, Washington; Shari Wadman of Colorado; Krista (Joe)Bureau of Poland, Maine. Her Grandchildren, as she referred to them as, “Gramma’s nine angels” are Emma, Molly, and Espen Williams.  Colby, Caleb, and Olivia Wadman. Mia, Sophia and Max Comis.  In addition, Sharon is survived by her three younger brothers, Murray Sponberg of Presque Isle, Maine, Deryle Sponberg (Vicki) of Washburn, Maine, and Michael Sponberg of Hatboro, Pennsylvania.  She is survived by several nieces and nephews.  

We would like to send out our great appreciation to her family physician, Dr. Aaron Karmes. Dr. Karmes was a Godsend in this journey. His kindness, dedication, and unheard of home visits helped to create a love and trust with our mother. In Mom’s final few days she referred to Dr. Karmes as “the son we never had”.  Thank you to St. Joseph’s Home Hospice amazing staff, especially Dana Cassidy, RN. 

A graveside service will be held 12 Noon Monday, June 14, 2021 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hermon. In lieu of flowers Sharon has requested memorial donations be made to her nephew’s church, Washburn Community Church, P. O. Box 501, Washburn, ME 04786.