Sharon Lee Shoulders

Sharon Shoulders, wife of world famous rodeo cowboy Jim Shoulders (deceased), passed away on January 30, 2021. Sharon was streadfast in her support and encouragement of Jim through winning 16 World Championships. She also co-founded the Jim Shoulders Rodeo Company and ran the J Lazy S Ranch in Henryetta while Jim traveled to rodeo. Raising 4 children while running the ranch was all in a day’s work for her. Later in her ranching career, she started one of the first Salorn herds in Oklahoma and was active in pioneering the heightened awareness of the lean beef movement. Along with her lifelong friend, Donna McSpadden, they founded the HANDS group, an organization helping other women in the rodeo world with the personal challenges of raising a family and being alone due to the nature of rodeo life. An early supporter and advocate of the Professional Bull Riding Association, she was honored with the creation of the “Sharon Shoulders Award,” given annually to the wife of a bull rider who demonstrated grit, determination and goodwill for her community. She lead the Rodeo Historical Society for several years, served on the board of the Oklahoma Historical Association and was a pillar of the First United Methodist Church of Henryetta, serving in almost every capacity over the years. Although her husband Jim was the one who was often quoted “I’d rather be in jail in Oklahoma than free anyplace else,” Oklahoma was lucky to have the California girl become an Okie transplant who wouldn’t have lived anywhere else.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband Jim and daughter Jamie.

She is survived by her brother Jon Heindselman, children Marvin Paul and his wife Lori, Jana and her husband Robert Soza, Marcie and her husband Joel Roth, grandchildren Dana, Justin and his wife Kim, James, Rob, Patty, Ellie, Buzz, Grace, Derek, Ashton, Langley and Logan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the First United Methodist Church, 1212 Lake Road, Henryetta, OK 74437 or the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 or at
http://www.justincowboycrisisfund.org

At Sharon's request, the casket will remain closed with be no public viewing, visitation or immediate funeral service. Because of the dangers and restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic this was her wishes for everyone to remain safe and no chances taken for her service. Burial will be private in New Sonora Cemetery with immediate family only.

A public memorial service will be held as soon as it is safe at the First United Methodist Church in Henryetta. Arrangements are under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.

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