Sharon “Sherry” Kay Smith was born in 1943. She fought a several year battle with Alzheimer’s and crossed over to our Lord peacefully in her home on 23 February 2022. Sherry was born in Carson City and raised in Crystal Michigan, graduating from Crystal High School in 1961.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Olen “Bill” and Marjorie (Felton) Smith of Crystal and her brother-in-law Bobby Spencer of Sheridan.
Sherry is survived by family and family-of-the-heart, Raychell Gavitt, Sue (Curt) Hausser, Sheila Smith, Laurie (Craig) Shaffer, Gregg Spencer, Ryan Teegardin, Trenton Shaffer, Delanie Shaffer, Sheila Miller, Tracy (Pat) Hodges and family, Chad (Christina) Evans and family, Troy (Natalie) Gavitt, Alexis Gavitt, Ashton Gavitt, Aurora Hartley and Aubrey Chapin.
Sherry was drafted during her freshman year at Central Michigan University by the Shooting Stars, Professional women’s’ basketball team for whom she played from 1964-1966. After two and one-half years on the road, she returned home and began her career at Gibson’s (Electrolux), retiring after 41 years of service.
Sherry took great pride in singing her personal rendition of “Happy Birthday” to her family and special friends. Just mentioning Sherry’s birthday song will make people smile. One of her special days was the 4th of July when she delighted in the gathering of family at the Crystal Lake, Lake House. Christmas was another special time when she made her memorable "Ho Ho's".
Sherry’s other interests included women’s softball, fishing for Salmon while at “Fish Camp” in Baldwin, Michigan, steelhead fishing at the Two-Hearted River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula beginning with this shared experience with her parents through many more years with family and friends, collecting rocks (especially agates) to adorn her yard, and teaching the younger generation the value of nature, hunting and fishing.
Visitation for Sherry will be held at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton (2999 S. Sheridan Rd., Stanton, MI 48888), Sunday, February 27, 2022, with the casket open from 3pm-4pm, and continuing with the casket closed from 4pm-6pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Hospice, Spectrum Health Foundation 25 Michigan St NE, Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or Central Montcalm Athletic Department, Central Montcalm High School 1480 Sheridan Road SW, Stanton, MI 48888
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.