Sharon Witt

Age 58, died January 24, 2017 in Kalamazoo. Sharon was born on April 23, 1958 in Custer, the 2nd daughter of Frederick and Claribel (Price) Brunner. She and her older sister, Karen (Bruce) were joined by 2 more siblings: Debby (Oscar) and Dennis (Gina). Sharon was a 1979 graduate of Bronson School of Nursing and a dedicated Registered Nurse of OB/GYN and Delivery at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She later worked at MSU/KCMS Orthopedics and with resident doctors.

Sharon was an avid outdoors woman and was an extremely skilled archer, who won several 1st place women’s division competitions and trophies. She loved to shoot her bow and teach youth archery at a local range called Potawatomi Bowman, where one day, Sharon met the love of her life and soul mate, Robert “Bob” Witt. On October 18, 1997, she and Bob were married and bow hunted for their honeymoon at Ft. Lewis Lodge in Virginia.

She was an animated sports fan, following Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Michigan football and basketball. She also watched the professionals, Pistons basketball, Red Wings hockey and Lions football. Sharon was passionate about every game she watched and was known for kicking the person next to her (mainly Bob or her son, Matt) for bad calls by the referees and coaches or obvious mistakes by players.

Most of all, Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She doted over her grandchildren, Sophia and Parker and was known for her famous hot chocolate mix that she would make for family and friends. When the grandkids would visit Bob and Sharon, they would race to the “Fairy God-Mother drawer”, where there was always something special for each of them. She would have fruit snacks, cereal bars and either chocolate milk or pink bunny (strawberry milk) for them. She adored them and would always make them feel special.

Sharon will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched. She is now resting peacefully with the Lord, her husband, parents and family members that have gone before her. Sharon is now free of pain and suffering of any and all illnesses, and is finally at ease with the Lord and all her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her love of 20 years, Bob on March 5, 2015; her parents Claribel on April 26, 1999 and Frederick on December 8, 2008. She is survived by her son, Matthew (Brooke) Rakoski of Kalamazoo; step-sons: Jeff, Jon and Jason (Katie) Witt; and her beloved grandchildren: Sophia (6) and Parker (3) Rakoski, Drake, Jack and Claire Witt.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, Feb. 3 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 4408 South Westnedge Avenue; Kalamazoo. Family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM at the church. Following the mass, food and fellowship will be shared in the church hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or the American Lung Association. Visit Sharon’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269-375-2900).