Sharon Boyd Rundell

Sharon Boyd Rundell, the heart of the Rundell Veterinary Hospital from its inception until the doors closed, died on Wednesday, September 25 in Monroe. She was 80. 

If friendship is about what we give and not what we receive, then Sharon was as true a friend as anyone could hope to have. Her generosity extended beyond family and a close circle of friends, but to total strangers and the four-legged companions they brought to the Rundell Veterinary Hospital on Kansas Lane. 

Those who knew Sharon mourn her loss, but smile knowing she is reunited with Dr. Jim Rundell, her husband of 51 years, and her beloved son, Joel Rundell, a founding member of the rock band Better Than Ezra. 

While Dr. Rundell, one of the state’s most skilled veterinarians, went to work in the operating room, Sharon comforted countless pet owners with a smile and a drink from the vintage Coke machine in the corner. Or if the occasion warranted, something stronger from the back office. 

Sharon doted on Joel and served as a surrogate mother to Better Than Ezra. Before the band made it big, she often wired them gas money to make it home from various tours across the South. 

Also preceding Sharon in death are her parents, Victor and Orlean Boyd, and Sandra Boyd Haddad, the big sister she adored. Sharon and Sandra spoke their own language. When they were together, the years faded away, and where adults once stood were the two girls who shared a room from childhood through their time at Ouachita Parish High School. 

Sharon had the same affection for Lois Woodward, her best friend of nearly 50 years. Lois was the office manager at Rundell Veterinary Hospital, but her most important role was as Sharon’s confidant and co-pilot on adventures to Bourbon Street, Sundays with the New Orleans Saints, and perhaps their favorite, trips to “the boat” in Vicksburg. Though fate ordains that even the dearest of friends must part for a time, take comfort knowing this separation is never permanent. 

A piece of Sharon remains with nieces Heather Haddad Hunsucker of Monroe and “Little” Sharon Harper Baugh of West Monroe, who she loved like daughters. Sharon spent her final years living with Heather and her family, husband Adam Hunsucker and daughter Daisy Walters. Even on the most difficult days, there is nothing greater than caring for someone who once cared for you. And through all the love, laughter, frustration and tears, bringing Sharon into their home was the privilege of their lives. 

Heather, Adam and Daisy are forever grateful to Sharon’s special caregivers, Ashley Robinson, Krista Coney and Teresa Ogumnuyiwa of Charlie’s Angels For Hire and Leslie Bourg and the staff from Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care. They also want to thank all the caregivers who helped Sharon — Charlotte, Kenya, Latisha, Erica, Mercedes and Brittany. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Road, in Monroe. In lieu of flowers, Sharon requested donations be made in her name to the Premier Pet Emergency Clinic, 2024 Forsythe Avenue, in Monroe.