Sharon Herron was born in Sturgis, South Dakota on November 2, 1941 to Francis F. and Maxine A. (Peterson) Chaffee and was raised on the family ranch near Clough, SD. She attended grade school at the ranch; attending and graduating from Sturgis High School. Later on she attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish where she studied art. She became very active in the SD Stock Growers Association, was a member of the Cowbelles, and, as a beauty contestant, won the title of Miss Central Meade County and Miss SD Stock Growers.
In 1966 she married James R. Ferguson of New Underwood, SD. They had Two children: Heath Ferguson and Jamie Hockenbary.
When her children were younger, she became very active in the local 4-H club and hosted numerous 4-H Horse Judging Schools. In 1974 she married Wes Herron and they ranched together until his death in 2005. Sharon always had a special love for horses.
Her love of country life, heritage and vast love of animals drew her to stay in the country. Her sense of humor, immense knowledge of horses, her (self-taught) veterinary skills, and horse breaking style were very well known and respected. Her horses won many awards from cattle cutting to roping to showmanship. Sharon was a life member of AQHBA and NRA. She was one of the original founders of the South Dakota Ranch Quarter Horse Breeders Association.
Sharon’s sense of humor, Horse Training skills, and knowledge will be very deeply missed by family and friends alike.
Sharon F. Herron, 83, of Union Center, SD was taken away Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Visitation will be at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Monday, September 15, 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Sept. 16, 11:00 at the Central Meade County Community Center, Union Center, SD. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Sturgis.