Sharon Kay (Richey) Porter

Sharon Kay (Richey) Porter was born on November 3, 1943, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Laddie Richey and Olive Mecham Richey. She passed away on April 4, 2026, in Thatcher, Arizona, a place she loved dearly.

Sharon grew up in St. David and moved to Mesa during her high school years, where she met Joe Porter, the basketball player. On January 30, 1964, Sharon and Joseph Larry Porter were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they raised six wonderful children. Sharon was devoted to her family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joe and Sharon were married for 58 years until his passing in 2022.

Sharon loved music and the arts. During her college years, she traveled as a BYU folk dancer with her beloved friend Joan Norton. She was talented at the piano and served as a congregation organist for over 30 years. Worship through sacred hymns was central to her life. The Porter home was often filled with familiar tunes as she rehearsed diligently for each Sunday service. Her love of music has been passed down to her posterity, with singers, piano players, marching band members, and even a couple of professional musicians among them. She always delighted in watching her children—and particularly her grandchildren—perform.

Visitors to the Porter home experienced Sharon’s love for animals. Moderation was not her style. In a moment of compromise, Joe agreed to bring home a cocker spaniel puppy named Peaches. In short order, the household expanded to include more dogs, a large kennel, exotic birds, rabbits, gerbils, tropical fish, and Tiki the cat. Porter children often woke to the rustling and squawking of birds, while the watchful eyes of lovebirds could be found in the oddest places. In her later years, as her memory began to fade, she was inseparable from her mechanical toy cat, Prissy.

Sharon was always close with her “lady’s posse,” including Aunt Buffy, Bonnie, Joan, Liana, Joyce, and Mareen. She treasured time with these dear friends, who loved and supported her through thick and thin.

Joe and Sharon diligently attended the Mesa Arizona Temple. As life slowed, they were called to serve as temple workers and later had the honor of serving a temple mission in 2007 at the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple. That experience was a highlight of their lives and a fitting exclamation point on their many years of church service. As the mission was concluding, Joe suffered a stroke, and Sharon became his full-time caretaker until his passing.

In recent years, as her memory declined, Sharon was lovingly cared for by her daughters Julie and Jenny, along with their families. Ward members, friends, and neighbors also provided generous care and understanding. The Porter family is deeply grateful to all who supported her during these challenging years—there are no words to adequately express their gratitude.

The family rejoices that Sharon is once again at Joe’s side, laughing at his jokes and enjoying the company of her parents, whom she missed dearly. She is survived by her children: Dan (Tiffany), Dave (Mimi), Julie (Kent), Rich (Lindsey), Shellee (Rob), and Jenny (Andrew). She also leaves 34 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, as well as her four siblings: Mike, Marshall, Cindy, and Salie. Sharon will be dearly missed—until we meet again.

Her visitation will be held at Bunker Funeral Home (33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ) on Friday, May 1st from 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held at 1911 N. 24th St, Mesa, AZ , Saturday, May 2 at 10 am.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.