Sharon Lee Kruse

Sharon Lee (Coors) Kruse, 81, was born on August 22, 1944, to Edgar and Geneva (Stough) Coors, and grew up on Oak Street in Dundee in a house built by her father. Across the street lived the Herman Kruse family, and there she met William "Will" Charles Kruse. Sharon and Will were married on May 12, 1962, at St. John Lutheran Church in Dundee, where Sharon was baptized and confirmed. They shared 41 years of marriage until Will's passing on June 26, 2003. At St. John Lutheran Church, Sharon served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, a member of Women's Circles, Altar Care, Parish Council, and the Bell Choir for many years.

Together, Sharon and Will raised seven children: Tamra Kruse, Crysti (Deacon Tracy) Esper, Bill (Julie) Kruse, Mary (Robert) Sandefur, Garvin (Mandy) Kruse, Shara (Bryan) Goetz, and Herman (Alisa) Kruse. Sharon was a proud Oma to ten grandchildren: Ellyn (Corey) Simon, Julius Kruse, Lydia (Tim Nowak, Jr.) Sandefur, Meredith Sandefur, Elise Kruse, Camdenne Kruse, Liam Kruse, Sophia Kruse, Logan Kruse (who passed away in 2018), and Amira Kruse.

Education was a lifelong priority for Sharon. She graduated from Dundee High School, Monroe County Community College, and the University of Michigan, earning her AB in Education and teaching certificate in 1974. She taught at Monroe High School and later served as a long-term substitute and Homebound teacher across Monroe County, touching countless lives. Nothing, however, was more important to Sharon and Will than their children, and nurturing and encouraging their children to develop their best selves. Reflecting their belief in the value of higher education for all their children. Indeed, they lived to see each of their children graduate from college, a legacy of determination and perseverance that continues on today. Sharon was a devoted mother, active in her children's lives, supporting them in their interests as small children into adulthood.

Affectionately adopting the name "Oma" when she became a grandma fit her well. Oma and Opa's home was always the heart of family gatherings, full of joy during birthdays and holidays. The family Christmas trees - some of the biggest from Holtz's farm in Maybee - often filled their living room. Holidays were special, especially Sharon's Christmas cookies and stuffing at Thanksgiving. Sharon welcomed not just family but friends and others who needed a place to belong. As the family grew through marriages, Sharon embraced every son- and daughter-in-law as her own, making sure each one's birthday was celebrated with a favorite meal or dessert. Sharon made the best pies, especially apple and cherry pies, that were often requested instead of birthday cake.

Sharon also loved and cared deeply for animals. She leaves behind her beloved mini dachshund, Noel, who was devoted to her. She was preceded in death by her black lab, Sally, and cherished all of her "grand-animals" as part of her family.

Sharon had a sweet tooth for ice cream, whether cones or banana splits. With her sister Karen, she would venture out for pie at Schmucker's in Toledo or ice cream at Russell Stover's. The two shared many adventures through the Pittsfield Senior Citizens to different destinations around the country.

Sharon knew how to have fun. She loved music, including Elvis and Jimmy Buffett; however, her favorite genre was the "oldies" music, especially the song "Sixteen Candles," which reminded her of Will. She loved to swim, both in her pool at home and during family trips to Yogi Bear campgrounds across Michigan, with Indian River being her favorite. She also loved to sit outdoors with a book, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature and enjoying the flowers that grew in her gardens. Caring for her lawn brought her joy, and she proudly mowed it herself until a couple of summers ago, when illness made it too difficult. This past July, she hoped to make one more family trip to Indian River, but her health required her to return home early. Her family celebrated her 81st birthday in August, unaware how quickly her health would decline.

Sharon was passionate about protecting the environment, an avid recycler, a proud "True Blue" Michigan Wolverine, and a dedicated Democrat. She gave generously of her time and resources to help those in need locally and globally. She supported research for health conditions affecting her family, including the Conquer Chiari Malformation Foundation, which affected her sweet grandson, Logan. At her death, she made the selfless choice to donate her brain for study and any other organs that could help others, offering hope for greater understanding of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), the rare disorder she battled with courage.

Sharon passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children and their families, her sisters Karen and Trudy, and her devoted dachshund, Noelle. Words cannot express how deeply Sharon will be missed. She was strong, intelligent, and passionate - resilient in the face of illness, never self-pitying, and always grateful. Sharon was unique, loving, and full of life. The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the many condolences received from all who knew and loved Sharon, our Mom, Oma and Sister. Honoring her wishes, she was cremated, and private services and committal will follow at a later date.

Sharon's care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131, (734) 529-3156. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sharon's name to Mission MSA at missionmsa.org. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.