Sharon Kay Fenner

Although her life was filled with numerous experiences that enriched her life’s journey, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Sharon Fenner than being surrounded by her family. She was a vivacious, fun-loving, and hardworking woman who was content in whatever life brought her way. Guided by an unwavering faith, Sharon was kindhearted, generous, and ever mindful of others with a zest for life that was contagious to those around her. She was a devoted wife and mother, but it was becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother that was her greatest source of pride and joy. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Sharon will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to feel her touch.

With the dawn of 1940 America was eager to turn a new page. The 1930s were cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression, and although things were headed in the right direction there were still numerous obstacles to overcome. WWII gained momentum overseas, although it wasn’t until the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, that America engaged in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms that we still enjoy today. It was just as the 1940s were dawning that a young couple from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on April 8, 1940. Sharon Kay was the oldest of six children born to her parents, William and Martha (Schrader) Cardiff, and she was raised in the family home in Kalamazoo during her earliest years.

In many ways Sharon experienced a childhood that was a reflection of her generation. Her parents were hardworking farmers, and following WWII her mother also worked as a seamstress. As the oldest child and only girl, Sharon was an integral part of raising her younger brothers, Herman, Tony, Bill, Doug, and Duane. When she was nine the family moved to a little farm near Alamo near Williams Crossings. Sharon attended local schools including Otsego High School. In addition to holding down her studies she was a cheerleader all through school. Sharon went on to graduate from high school in 1958.

Not to be forgotten during her formative years was Sharon’s introduction to the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Bill Fenner, and they were neighbors. Sharon was just 13 when they met, and they started dating a few years later. With a desire to establish a life together they were married, deeply in love. Although they later separated for a time, Sharon and Bill reunited a bit later and were remarried on May 13, 1966. They lived in Allegan for after the wedding. Sharon and Bill later bought property outside of Allegan and then moved to Martin in 1987 where they remained for the rest of Sharon’s life. Together they welcomed five children into their hearts and home: Jeff, Marcia, Susan, Mike, and Scott.

After graduating from high school, Sharon began training at Bronson Radiology. Her training brought her to her work at the hospital. Although she took a bit of time off, Sharon continued to work after children arrived. When her children were of school age she drove a school bus to help keep a closer eye on them, and for 17 years she drove up north to the Mackinac Island with Doug Allen's 9th grade Earth Science class trip. Sharon later returned to the medical field when she began working for Dr. Mark Warner in Allegan.

Sharon enjoyed her work, but she took great pride in caring for her home and family as well. She was an accomplished seamstress from the time she was a young girl and was often found sewing. In fact, she made numerous dresses for her girls over the years. Sharon also enjoyed crocheting. As a family they enjoyed a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, to stay at her parents’ house for a family vacation. She was never much of an animal person, but she did allow the kids to have dogs. It has even been said that she would let the dog on her lap when no one was looking! Sharon’s family appreciated her fantastic skills in the kitchen as everything she made was amazing. She was also a great baker who almost always had fresh cookies or brownies around.

There were so many things that Sharon enjoyed through the years. She was involved in the church throughout most of her life, and she liked gospel music, too. Christmas was a special time of year since Sharon always seemed to outdo herself each year. She was the one who cooked for all the holidays, too. It was easy to see that she was blessed with a green thumb as she loved gardening and had the most beautiful flower gardens to show for her effort. Sharon enjoyed going to tractor shows with her husband, and together they had a great time when they rode out to California in the truck. In addition to being a faithful member of her church, Sharon was also a member of the Lions Club and the Log Cabin Quilters Group.

With unending love for her family, Sharon Fenner was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Through her life we are reminded that our happiness does not depend on what we have, rather, it is in the moments we have to spend with the ones we love most that we are richly blessed. Sharon leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

Sharon Fenner, of Martin, died on September 15, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Wednesday, September 17th from 6:00-8:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Reformed Church: 1073 W Allegan St, Martin, MI 49070 (269 672-5596). Sharon’s family includes her husband of 48 years, Bill; her children: Jeffery Fenner; Marcia (Jerry) Fowler; Susan Coburn, Michael “Megan” (Brittany) Fenner; Scott (Pam) Fenner; 2 brothers: Herman (Nancy) Cardiff, Douglas Cardiff; 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Anthony Cardiff, Bill Cardiff, Duane Cardiff. Please visit Sharon’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to Martin Reformed Church or the American Cancer Society.