Sharon Carpenter

Sharon Anne (Wank) Carpenter, 79 of Athens, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 31, at Glen Arbor Hospice Residence in Battle Creek, MI. The family will receive friends for visitation Friday, November 5, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Services for Sharon will be held at the funeral home Saturday November 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM with Ordained Minister Eric McClure officiating. Graveside services will be held at the Athens Burr Oak Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family at a luncheon following the service at the VFW Post 5319 in Athens.

Born on January 24, 1942 to Raymond A. and Betty Jean (Bailey) Wank, Sharon was the eldest of 4 children. Her brothers, Army Veteran Robert Wank and youngest brother Terry Wank preceded her in death. On December 11, 1959 she married Philip L. Carpenter in Athens. They have two children, daughter Anita Riddle and son David Carpenter who served proudly in the 82 ^nd Airborne during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Sharon lived her life in the Athens area. In 1967, Phil and Sharon built a new home on S Drive S where they have raised their family through the generations.

Sharon graduated from Athens Agricultural School in 1959, where she participated in Glee Club, paper staff, senior play and follies. After graduation she was employed by Metropolitan Insurance, then moving to the First State Bank of Mendon in Athens. In 1967, Sharon was hired as a secretary for the newly formed Spoor and Parlin, Inc. Moving through the ranks, she rose from secretary to bookkeeper, retiring 42 years later as the Office Manager-Controller. While there, she was recognized several times by the John Deere Company for her excellence to detail. Sharon attended numerous John Deere workshops, enjoying the travel experiences it brought, with New Orleans being a favorite.

Sharon’s first love was for her family. She looked forward to the family summer vacations in the U.P. camping, fishing, and sight-seeing. She cherished her family gatherings, hosting many family Christmas celebrations in her home. Sharon looked forward to any social event, with the monthly Wank luncheons and “Class of 59” reunions and picnics adding to her fond memories. She attended any activity her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren participated in. Some of her favorite times were attending school programs, athletic events, concerts, theatre performances and dance recitals. Sharon especially enjoyed attending the County Fairs to watch the grandchildren and great-grandchildren exhibit their 4-H animal projects. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoyed spending time with “Grandma Sharon”. There was always a special treat to be had.

She loved her flower gardens and was always in a hurry to start planting in the spring, often to replant due to a late frost. Sharon enjoyed her animals, with a furry friend “Miss Kitty” to keep her company during her rehab time. For many years, Sharon and Phil were K-Wings season ticket holders, with Sharon earning a visit to the locker room for stitches. Sharon liked the thrill of playing the slots at the Firekeepers Casino, where she spent many happy hours with Phil. They traveled extensively to other casinos, always returning to their favorite – Firekeepers.

Sharon leaves behind her husband of 61 years, Philip L. Carpenter of Athens; her children Dr. Anita (Chip) Riddle of Union City, and David (Julie) Carpenter of Leonidas; 8 grandchildren, Katherine Brodock of Sherwood, Michelle Riddle of Ardmore, TN, Jenny (Jeff) Faulk of Climax, Steven (Katelyn) Carpenter of Athens, and Mindee Lawrence of Fulton, Lucas Carpenter of Leonidas, Emmett Carpenter of Leonidas and Sarah Carpenter of Leonidas; 13 great-grandchildren Madelyn, Ava, Preslie, Mavric, Maesa, Travis, Novaleigh, Dalyn, Sandra, Abram, Dakoda, Aubrie and Walker; one sister Sandra Lineberry of Florida. In addition to her brothers, Sharon was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and great-grandson Dane Philip Carpenter.

Memorial donations can be made to the Athens Historical Society, Athens Fire Department or Athens Youth Council. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Richard A. Henry Home in Battle Creek, MI