Sharon Lee Kelly, age 82, of Portage, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 14, 2026. She passed away peacefully with family by her side.

Sharon was born on February 13, 1944 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the late Max and Mary (Wight) Sonnevil. Sharon was the oldest of four children. She grew up in Portage, and graduated from Portage Central in 1962.

She entered the Bronson nursing program, and shortly after, met Ron. The two met while hanging out with their groups of friends, and by the end of the night, became quite smitten with each other. The next day, Sharon received a call from a young man asking her out. She agreed thinking it was Ron, when in fact, it was Ron’s close friend. When Ron called, Sharon immediately cancelled the date to begin her relationship with the love of her life. They were married on August 6, 1965, and remained devoted to each other every day. Sharon worked as a nurse until she decided to stay home to raise their four children.

Above all else, she loved to spend time with her family. Sharon spent her time attending all of her children’s events and supporting them endlessly, just as she would in the future with her grandchildren. Her love extended to all animals, but especially her dogs. In her spare time, she was an expert in crafts and puzzles, an avid “Survivor” enthusiast, and a card shark in every card game she played (no matter how much she would disagree).

Sharon had a deep faith that was shown in how she lived her life. She was very active in the Cherry Creek Community Church, and was known for her kindness that endured through all hardships. Sharon was truly a gift from God. Selfless and generous, she always gave more than she received, and made others feel valued and loved even in the darkest times. Her loving nature was never hindered, but enhanced by her ferocity and grit. As a breast cancer survivor and dialysis patient, she fought endlessly to be present even when her body worked against her. It never dulled her smile, but instead made her joy more contagious. A devoted wife, a fierce mother, a loving grandmother, a loyal friend, and a true servant of God.

Sharon is survived by her four children: Lisa (Charles) Holland, Ronald Kelly Jr., Rhonda Cooksey, and Tom (Sara) Kelly; grandchildren: Joel Holland, Kelly Lynn Holland, Isabelle Kelly, and Grant Kelly, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Sharon is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Ron, her parents, her in-laws, her brother, and her sister.

Visit with family and friends on Thursday, May 21 at 10:00 am at the Cherry Creek Community Church; 10641 Shaver Rd. Portage, MI 49024. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am at the same location. While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please take time to sign Sharon’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family. Those who wish may make contributions to Cherry Creek Community Church.

The Kelly family is being cared for by the Avink McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.