Sharon Lois Elston, known to her loved ones as Shary or Shari, passed away on the 20th of April, 2024. Born on the 25th of November, 1943, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Sharon was a compassionate soul, whose adventurous spirit and generous heart left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her laughter was infectious, and her wit, sharper than the most honed blade, always brightened the room. As the saying goes, “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” and Sharon truly embodied this sentiment, ensuring that those around her never had a wasted day and a saying she is remembered by was Que Sera Sera, whatever will be, will be!
For over 58 years, Sharon made Benton Harbor her home. She was a dedicated employee at Avion Coach, a bus driver for Coloma Schools, but her true passion lay in her hobbies and her family. She was an excellent cook, an avid gardener, a committed caregiver, and a regular attendee of tractor shows. Her love for baseball, particularly the Tigers, was unrivaled. Sharon’s generosity extended to her love of giving free advice, often sprinkled with her unique humor. She was awarded the Mother of the Year Award, a testament to her dedication and love for her family. Her humility was a lesson to all, her support, a comfort to many. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” a quote that Sharon lived by throughout her life.
Sharon Elston is survived by her husband, Earl Elston of 62 years, and their children Tammy (Christopher) Breen, Michael (Dawn) Elston, and Sheila (Karl) Elston. She was the proud grandmother of Erica, Anthony, Bradley, Robert, Shawn, Andrea, Alexander, and Brianna, and a great-grandmother of 14 beautiful children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vayne and Beulah Coffel, her siblings Bucky Coffel, Barbara Luhrson, and Gale Coffel.
A viewing will be held on Friday, 26th April 2024 at 11:00am at Hoven Funeral Home, 414 East Front Street, Buchanan, Michigan, followed by a funeral service at 1:00pm at the same location. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, 25th May 2024 at 3:00pm at 51354 Righter Lane, South Bend, Indiana.
We encourage those who knew and loved Sharon to leave memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Let’s honor her by celebrating the vibrant, compassionate, and adventurous woman she was. Let’s remember Sharon, not just for her generosity, but for the laughter and joy she brought to our lives.
In leu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Hospice Centrica Care Navigators.
Posted On: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 4:35 PM
