Marin, CA

Sharon "Shari" Morgan Kotila was 76 y/o when she passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on June 26, 2024. Born February 16, 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ralph and June Davidson, she was the cute little redheaded sister adored by her much older brothers Bob and Jim.

Shari attended SLC's East High School, where she discovered her love for snow skiing. It was on the slopes that she met her first husband, David Morgan who was on the ski patrol. Married to David in 1965, they had two children, Michelle and Jennifer.

Both David and Shari had a keen interest in music. They formed a band in SLC with David on bass and Shari the lead vocalist. In 1973 they moved the family to California hoping to "make it" in the music business. Their marriage lasted until 1975. In 1979 in Mill Valley she met psychologist Dr. Roger Kotila and were married January 21, 1981, and again on December 15, 1985 after a brief separation. They remained together living in Marin County for 40 years until her passing. Moving to Novato in 1989, they also enjoyed a summer vacation home at Flathead Lake, Montana.

Professionally, Shari started Creative Business Resources doing accounting as an IRS enrolled agent-tax consultant, while also composing and recording her original songs. However, her life took a profound turn in 1984 when her daughter Jenny was involved in a drug accident and became quadriplegic. This tragedy reshaped her life, leading her to become an anti-drug activist. She and Jenny traveled to schools throughout the area, campaigning against illegal drug use and sharing their powerful story.

She was known for her adventurous spirit and had the heart of an artist. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and put her heart into her music. She was the producer for Earthstar Radio, a San Francisco-based peace, anti-nuclear, and human rights radio show. Shari wrote and sang its theme song, and many of her original songs were featured. A YouTube anti-war video by Shari had over 100,000 hits and remains featured on the website of Democratic World Federalists.

In the mid-1980s, with the support of her husband Roger, Shari overcame her own struggles with addiction, quitting smoking and drinking. She embraced a new spiritual path, becoming active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Shari is survived by her loving brother, Jim Davidson, her devoted husband, Roger Kotila, and her cherished daughters Jenny Morgan and Michelle Ray. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Terra Garcia-Hobson, Jayson Garcia, and Leah Hinton, and her great-grandchildren, Emma Garcia, Savanna, Lizzy, and Maverick Hobson, and Silas, Ailyn, and Kiaya Hinton.

Shari's life was a testament to resilience, love, and dedication. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Submitted by Roger Kotila (husband) at 415-892-7584, 760 Sun Lane, Novato, CA. 94947. Confirmation contact is ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME at 331 Lakeville St., Petaluma, CA 94952. 707-789-9000