Sharon Lee (Sponseller) Gillis

Sharon L. Gillis of Midland and formerly of Petoskey, passed from this life on Sunday, May 5, 2019, surrounded by the family she loved.

She was born Sharon Lee Sponseller on March 1, 1942 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Vern and Gladys (Berryhill) Sponseller.  She grew up in Mt. Pleasant and was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School.  She went on to earn her degree in Radiography from CMU, and began her career with Central Michigan Community Hospital in Mt. Pleasant.  She married Melvin A. Gillis on June 15, 1963; together they raised three children and lived in Mt. Pleasant, Midland and Petoskey.  In 1991 Sharon and Mel moved back to Midland where they have resided until present.  Sharon also worked for Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey and MidMichigan Urgent Care in Midland.  She retired in March of 2015.

Throughout her life she relied on her faith in God to be the source of her strength.   She endeared herself to so many and could always be counted on to lend support to anyone in need.  She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to so many.  Her genuine warmth, courage through adversity and open heart is what will be missed by all who knew her.  The hole that is left by her passing will only be filled by passing on that same love that she gave so freely.

Sharon is survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, Mel Gillis and by their children, Rick (Joy) Gillis of Petoskey, Chery (David) Walter of Grand Blanc, Lynnsey (Dan) Bechtel of Midland, by her grandchildren, Nickie (Adam) Machelski, Kaity Gillis, Jacob Walter, Kailey Walter, Nathan Bechtel, Grace Bechtel and Maggie Bechtel, great granddaughter, Audrey  Machelski, sisters, Betty Lou (Ralph Brown) Sponseller and Deborah Alexander,  sister-in-law, Eileen (Bob) Strauss and by several beloved nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and by her granddaughter, Emma Bechtel and sister-in-law Elaine Gillis.

Sharon’s life will be celebrated during a Funeral Mass that is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Mass will be led by Fr. Jack Johnson. Friends may visit with the family at Smith-Miner Funeral Home on Thursday, May 9th from 6-8 p.m., with a vigil service commencing at 7:30 p.m., and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Sharon will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey. Committal service at the grave will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 10 a.m. with Fr. Dennis Stilwell officiating.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association or Midland County Senior Services “Seasons”.

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