Sharon DeCent , 66, Minot, died Wednesday, September 19, 2007, in a Minot nursing home.

Sharon was born April 6, 1941, in Stanley, ND, the daughter of Norin and Violet (Enger) Rakstad. She was raised and in Parshall, and graduated from Parshall High School.

Sharon was united in marriage to Edward DeCent, in Minot, and was later divorced. Throughout the years she held various positions at Community Action and the Mouse River Players. She was a former member of the American Business Women Association.

Sharon enjoyed playing bingo, visiting with people, hosting company, and spending time with her special friends and family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her a lifetime of smiles.

Surviving family includes: Children: Edward "Tom" DeCent, and his children, Dickinson, Dean DeCent, and son, Elk Ridge, MD, Tad DeCent and his three children, Minot, Jami (Chanda) DeCent, and their two children, Minot; two great-grandchildren; Brothers: Elroy (Myrna) Rakstad, Pleasanton, CA, Erwin (Jean) Rakstad, Palatine, IL, Roger (Ann) Rakstad, Wheeling, IL; Sister: Eunice Milne, Jamestown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, and brother: Lyal Rakstad.

Funeral: Monday, September 24, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Parshall Cemetery, Parshall, ND ;
Visitation: Sunday, September 23, 2007, from noon until 5:00 p.m., in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot;
In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred.