Or, 33, if you are going to count miscarriages – all included in the 146 the CDC counted.  People should not die from eating cantaloupe.

Sharon Kay Jones, 62, of Castle Rock, died on January 29, 2012 from complications of breast cancer and Listeria. The oldest of 6 children, she was born May 18, 1949 in Denver, CO to Elwood V. and Maxine R. (Provenzano) Johnson. She graduated Aurora Central High School in 1967 and married David A. Jones on November 8, 1969. They have one son, WB “Dub” Jones.

Sharon and family moved to Castle Rock in 1976 where she began working for the Douglas County Treasurer’s Office. She remained there 35 years, 28 as the Chief Deputy Treasurer, and was elected Douglas County Treasurer in 2002. She retired from her second term of elected office in January 2011 and took up a part time job at the Sheriff’s office.

Sharon quickly became known for her friendly, gracious, and warm personality, earning her the unofficial title of County Hugger. She was so good in this role that she enticed hugs from the most irascible personalities, a quality earning her hundreds of friends by the time she retired. Her generous nature and conscientious leadership made her a favorite elected official among her employees, peers, fellow elected officials, state government, and treasurers’ offices across Colorado.

An adventurous soul, Sharon took numerous camping trips and road trips across the United States. She developed a love for hot air balloons and determined that her second career would be as a hot air balloon chaser. Sharon also became a “motorcycle mama”, graduating at the top of her ABATE riding class and then taking cross-country trips on a bigger bike than many men ride. It was a source of great amusement for her son and daughter-in-law to witness public reaction to this short, round, matronly woman putting on her leathers, hopping aboard a large motorcycle and roaring off.

Sharon was known for wearing an angel pin every day, never realizing that many considered her their own personal angel. Before Sharon left this Earth, she composed this message for her friends: “I‘ve been blessed my whole life with so many people that care about and love me. I’ve truly enjoyed spending time with each and every one of you. I appreciate the support you’ve given me and my son and daughter-in-law during these last hard months. Thank you so much.”

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law WB and Melody Jones, spouse David Jones, five siblings Larry Johnson, Kim Mandos, Janice Cook, Woody Johnson, and Craig Johnson, many nieces and nephews, and an enormous extended family.

Viewing Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Castle Rock, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services Thursday, February 2 at the church beginning 1:00 p.m., reception following immediately. Interment held at a later date for family and close personal friends.

Non tax-deductible donations may be made in her memory to Womenade of Castle Rock, c/o Donna Scott, 2705 Castle Crest Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80104.