Sharyn K. Eaton
Sharyn K. Eaton, 78, of Duck Lake, passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 28, 2024. She is leaving a lasting legacy of love, faith and kindness. Sharyn was born June 13, 1946, the daughter of Richard and Verna Kelly, and grew up in a family rooted in Christian values, hard work, and unconditional love. In January 1963, Sharyn married her high school sweetheart, Jim Eaton, and together they built a beautiful life, raising four children and two granddaughters.
Sharyn was known for her kind smile, being humble and always showing compassion to others. Her warm laughter could brighten any room and brought joy to everyone around her. In her younger years she enjoyed baking for family gatherings and loved trying new recipes. She also enjoyed spending time water skiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. One of her early achievements was being crowned Charlotte Frontier Day’s Rodeo Queen. In her later years, Sharyn found joy reading.
She worked in the office at LL Johnson Lumber Co. and managed their Workbench store for several years before moving on to work for the State of Michigan. Faith was a central part of Sharyn’s life – she taught Sunday school at Faith Assembly of God in Olivet and sang in the choir at Mt. Hope Church in Lansing, where she has been a devoted member since 1985.
One of Sharyn’s greatest joys was sharing her life and faith with her family. Her goal was to leave a godly legacy for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, with whom she cherished every moment. Sharyn also had a love for travel, creating treasured memories on a Hawaiian cruise with her parents and sister in the 1980’s and fulfilling a lifelong dream by visiting Israel in 1994 with her mother and Mt. Hope Church members, where she walked in the footsteps of Jesus.
After Jim’s retirement, Sharyn and Jim enjoyed winters at Lake Region Village in Haines City, Florida. She volunteered on the dance committee, enjoyed playing cards, line dancing and making new friends.
Sharyn is survived by her children, Wayne Eaton Jr., Scott (Wanda) Eaton, Lisa (Jon) Villanueva, and Heidi (Jason) Crocker. She was a loving grandmother to eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brothers, Larry Kelly and Rick (Denise) Kelly. Sharyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne James (Jim) Eaton; parents; and sister, Norma (Kelly) Smith.
Sharyn’s legacy of faith, kindness and joy will forever be cherished by her family and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, November 22 at 12:00 noon, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hope Church, 202 South Creyts Road, Lansing.