In Loving Memory of Lori Sharman
The Douglas County community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 61-year-old Lori Sharman, whose life ended after she had been missing for approximately two weeks. After days of searching, hoping, and praying for her safe return, Lori was found deceased on Wednesday, Dec. 4. While authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play, the sorrow surrounding her passing runs deep for all who knew her, loved her, and stood by her during the search.
Lori was more than a missing-person alert, more than the headlines that shared her story. She was a cherished woman with a life full of memories, challenges, resilience, and love. Those closest to her knew her as someone with a gentle spirit — a woman who faced her mental health struggles with quiet courage, and who deserved safety, compassion, and peace. Her loss ripples far beyond the place she was found; it reaches the hearts of family members, friends, community volunteers, and strangers who followed her story and hoped for a different outcome.
Lori walked away from her Green-area residence late on the night of November 19. Because of the hour and her vulnerable state, she wasn’t immediately noticed or reported missing until the next day. She was considered endangered due to her mental health diagnosis, a reminder of how deeply people with such challenges need support, understanding, and care. Her disappearance triggered an outpouring of community concern — neighbors watched their cameras, volunteers searched rural roads, and dedicated search-and-rescue teams combed the area with determination.
On December 4 at around 11:20 a.m., members of the Douglas County search-and-rescue team found Lori’s remains near Carnes Road at Happy Valley — close to where she was last seen walking on surveillance footage. The discovery brought the most difficult kind of closure. Lori’s next of kin were notified immediately, and the sheriff’s office extended its deepest sympathies to her grieving family. Their loss is immeasurable, and in this moment of sadness, the community holds them gently in its collective heart.
The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office will investigate her cause of death, as required for any passing that occurs outside of medical care. While the investigation continues, what remains most important is honoring Lori’s life — her humanity, her story, and the love she leaves behind.
Though her final days were spent alone, Lori was never forgotten. Her community rallied for her, searched for her, shared her name, and held onto hope. And now, in the wake of this painful ending, that same community mourns her with tenderness and respect. The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to every volunteer and resident who helped in the search — individuals who showed that compassion still lives widely and deeply in Douglas County.
As the family grieves, may they find comfort in knowing that Lori’s journey touched many hearts. May they find healing in the memories of her better days, in moments of joy, in stories shared around quiet tables and familiar places. And may Lori herself finally rest in the peace she deserved — free from struggle, free from fear, and surrounded by the love that continues on without her.
Rest gently, Lori. You are remembered. You are honored. And you are deeply missed.