Sharlene Maris Obituary

Maris
Sharlene Kay
((Richard)) Maris
February 17, 1953
May 14, 2025

Sharlene Kay (Richard) Maris passed away peacefully at her home in Colorado Springs, CO, on May 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughters. She was born on February 17, 1953, to Mearl and Fern (Haines) Richard.
The second of four children and the only daughter, she was known for her helpful spirit—often seen assisting around the house, contributing at the family store, and expressing her creativity by designing and sewing her own clothes.
While attending Benkelman High School, "Sharn" was a vibrant presence, showing her school pride as a cheerleader and an active member of the Thespian Club. She graduated in 1971, then went on to study at Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, NE, followed by Friends Bible College in Haviland, KS. She later returned to her hometown of Benkelman, NE.
On January 5, 1974, she married Merrel Martin in Benkelman, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Sara and Stacy.
In 1984, Sharlene moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where she found a spiritual home and lifelong community at First Friends Church. She dedicated her career to roles that reflected her values and talents, working at Memorial Hospital in the radiology department, as an accountant for The Navigators, and later for the Child Development Center. Committed to lifelong learning, she earned two degrees from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs—in accounting and interior design.
Outside of work, she was passionate about sewing and gardening, launched her own interior design business, was deeply involved in her church, and treasured time with friends. She served faithfully as treasurer for Rocky Mountain Yearly Meeting; Assistant Treasurer and then Treasurer at First Friends Church; Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, Past President of Rocky Mountain Yearly Meeting Stewardship Board; Recording Clerk of Executive Council at First Friends Church and volunteered countless hours at Quaker Ridge Camp.
On September 30, 2011, Sharlene married Vern Maris. The couple lived in Penrose, CO, then retired to Tucson, AZ, before returning to Colorado Springs in 2023.
She is survived by her husband, Vern Maris; her daughters, Sara Muirheid and Stacy Coleman; her three cherished grandchildren: Katelynn Muirheid, Bruce Coleman and David Coleman; brother Alan and wife Alyce, brother Eldon and wife Leslie and brother Larry and wife Patty.
A memorial service will be held at First Friends Church in Colorado Springs on Monday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Quaker Ridge Camp at quakerridgecamp.org