Sharon Ellen Donnelly

It is with great sadness to share that on January 12th, 2026, Sharon Ellen Donnelly (Videll) passed away at the age of 90. She went peacefully surrounded by her immediate family. Sharon lived an extraordinary life that was fueled by her pioneering spirit.

Born in Jamestown New York to George Videll Sr. and Ellen Videll (Anderson) Sharon grew up with her younger brother George “Sonny” Videll Jr. The family was active attending First Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and wed. She was proud to have a Swedish father, Norwegian mother, and a large extended family. In particular, “Sissy” as she was called back then, was very close to her grandmother Anna Marie Anderson.

Sharon was a high honors student which opened a lot of doors for her. Her Senior yearbook dedication cites a reference to Hypatia of Alexandria who was one of the earliest well-documented female mathematicians and philosophers. She looked to her as an icon for women’s rights and empowerment. After graduating Jamestown High School in 1953 she attended the University of Buffalo, then Mount Union College in Ohio, graduating in 1957 with honors. At Mt. Union Sharon majored in History, where she was pinned into the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. As a Senior she was a member of the Unionian yearbook staff and an honorary member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Fraternity. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Cornell University 2 years later. Sharon also learned to speak French and Polish while in college. She was usually the smartest person in any room she walked into.

Sharon’s career in Social Work led her to Southern California. She was in Child Welfare and Protective Services, sometimes putting herself in harm’s way to get kids out of dangerous situations.

While in California she met her future husband, William Donnelly. They were together 52 years before his passing in 2012. While living in Seal Beach, they devoted their young lives to adventurous pursuits, whether it was taking their Cal 20 sailboat to Catalina Island, traveling abroad, or camping with their dogs in their Alaskan Camper and Ford Pickup. In 1971 Sharon gave birth to her only child, a son, Kyle Donnelly. She retired from social work to focus her time on being a proud and loving parent.

In 1975 the Donnelly family moved and made Prescott, AZ their new home. Sharon had always wanted horses and now had a ranch where she could keep them. Her new hobby turned into a 30-year business of breeding, showing, and selling horses under the business name of Spruce Mtn Morgans. She also owned Thoroughbreds. Over the years Sharon’s horses competed in Three Day Eventing, Show Jumping, Dressage, and Combined Carriage Driving. Her two stallions garnered National recognition as sport horses. She dedicated herself to the ranch-life while raising her son with love, strength, and grit. Introducing Kyle to the world of equestrian sports led to many adventures, including seeing him train with Olympic medalists and coaches. Trips to lessons, riding clinics, and horse shows became a regular occurrence for years with her son by her side.

Sharon found joy spending time in the barn. One of her favorite sayings was “If the shelves are dusty and the pots don’t shine it’s because I have far better things to do with my time.” She also loved walking her dogs, painting, and sharing stories of her Scandinavian roots. For a number of years Sharon even tried her hand at breeding and showing Weimaraner dogs.

In 2001 Sharon became a proud Grandparent to Morgan Donnelly. Nothing meant more to her than spending time with her granddaughter. She was the light of her life.

After suffering a major stroke in 2016, her life took a major turn. She moved in with her son and granddaughter. Her family cared for her before transitioning Sharon to assisted living at Haven Healthcare in 2023. She never once stopped fighting to recover and showed great courage every day. During the final 2 years of life Sharon’s family saw a softer side of her personality. She quickly became very popular with the Haven staff and made many friends there. Sharon also enjoyed visits from her family multiple times a week, usually to watch a game, draw sketches, enjoy some takeout food, or catch a movie. She loved watching Anthony Bourdain, ASU football, and rooting for Devin Booker during a Suns game.

Her last words to her family were, “Love you, buddy.” It was something she said frequently to her son and granddaughter towards the end of her life, and she always did it with a smile.

Sharon is survived by her son Kyle, granddaughter Morgan, nephew Hans Videll, sister-in-law Kay Videll, and a large extended family.

A memorial ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Yavapai County Humane Society at https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E104747&id=3

Memberships, past and present include:

National Honor Society of Secondary Schools 1950-1953

National Honor Society 1953-1957

Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, 50-year member

Honorary member of Sigma Tau Delta English Fraternity 1957

Staff member of Mount Union College Unionion yearbook committee 1957

Seal Beach Yacht Club 1960s and 70’s

American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA)

United States Combined Training Association (USCTA), now known as US Eventing Association (USEA)

American Kennel Club

American Warmblood Society

United States Combined Driving Association, now known as the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)