Sharon S. VanBruggen

Sharon Sue VanBruggen (Compton) of Otsego passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the age of 80 after a long battle with dementia. Sharon was born on April 17, 1943 to the late Clayton and Susan Compton (Minard) in Toledo, OH.

She graduated from Comstock High School in 1961 where she was active in many social activities. On February 10, 1962, she married Del VanBruggen Sr, her high school sweetheart.  Sharon raised four children and started a career once they were all in school. Her outgoing personality and “gift of gab” led her to sales positions at Performing Arts Abroad, Richard-Allan Medical and Consort Corporation, retiring in 2008.

In her free time, she enjoyed socializing and golfing at Lake Doster Golf Club, photography, gardening, and writing in her journals. She was always available to lend an ear and give advice without casting judgement. 

Years of cherished family memories were made at Sharon and Del’s home on Lake Doster before they relocated to Otsego in their retirement.  Sharon was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother and will be dearly missed by her many friends and family. 

Sharon is survived by her sons Del (Tami) VanBruggen Jr., of Kalamazoo, Doug (Ly) VanBruggen of Mattawan, Tim (Dawn) VanBruggen, of Hesperia, and a daughter Brenda Devine Tucker of Plainwell. Twelve grandchildren: Del VanBruggen III, Robert VanBruggen, Caley VanBruggen, Brook VanBruggen, Andrew VanBruggen, all of Kalamazoo, Kurk VanBruggen of Plainwell, Jake (Jamie) VanBruggen of Orangeville, Ellie VanBruggen of Richland, Darby Sayles, Joseph Devine, Daegen Devine, and Danika Devine, of Plainwell,  two sisters, Toni Compton and Louise Anson, brother-in-laws, Claude (Janet) VanBruggen and Don (Sherry) VanBruggen; as well as dozens of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Del VanBruggen Sr. Father-in-law George VanBruggen, Mother-in-law Irene (Miller) VanBruggen, sister Roselyn (Rosie) Magnan and grandson Jay Sayles.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place in the Spring of 2024 alongside her husband, Del. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dementia Society of America or the American Cancer Society.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Sharon's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The VanBruggen family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams, Plainwell, MI 49080 (269) 685-5881.