Sharon Joy Verduin, aged 66, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, February 4, 2016 following a long battle with cancer. She was born in Cadillac, MI to Fred and Irene (Van Houten) Westmaas. The third of five children, Shari grew up in the countryside of Marion, MI. She graduated from Northern Michigan Christian High School in 1967 and Calvin College in 1971. On June 28, 1972 she married Don Verduin at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI. They raised their three children in Grand Rapids. A lover of literature and young people, Shari taught language arts at Holland Christian High School, Cutlerville Christian Middle School, Legacy Christian School, and Grand Rapids Christian High School. She and Don retired to Ludington, MI in 2009. Shari was very active in their Ludington church home, Emanuel Lutheran, where she sang in the choir, taught confirmation, and served on many committees. In her retirement Shari enjoyed gardening, camping, running, Pilates, and playing the organ. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy.
Shari was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Don; children Tim (Talia Zaider) Verduin of Bronx, NY, Betsy (Brad) Reed of Ludington, and Ben (Emily) Verduin of Grand Rapids; siblings Wes (Sheryl) Westmaas, David (Margaret) Westmaas, Melodie (Tom) Kennedy, and Robin (Leo) Mulder; grandchildren Zoe and Elijah Verduin, Julia and Ethan Reed, and Alex Verduin, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A memorial service for Shari will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ludington on Tuesday, February 9 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Mick Shriver officiating. Visitation will be held at Emanuel on Monday, February 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and on Tuesday, February 9 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice of Muskegon, MI and Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Please feel free to share a photo or memory with Shari’s family on her personal webpage at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.
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