Shari Fitzpatrick

Gentle, selfless, and gracious, Shari Fitzpatrick was a genuine gift to all who were within her reach. With an unwavering faith throughout her life, she exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. It was easy to see that Shari’s husband, Steve, was the love of her life, and together they shared a marriage that most can only dream of as they were companions, best friends, and true soul mates. She lived each and every moment that she was given to the fullest while making even the ordinary moments amazingly extraordinary. Life will never be the same without Shari here, but her family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

It seems only fitting that Shari’s story began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the decade that is sometimes referred to as the Nifty Fifties when Elvis Presley, rock ‘n roll, and shows like Father Knows Best were adding color to the cultural fabric of our nation. The space race between the United States and the Soviet Union was underway while civil rights came to the forefront when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus. It was just as this decade was getting started that a young couple from Plainwell, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on August 12, 1951. Shari Ann was the oldest of seven children born to her parents, Roger and Mornie Sparks, and was the first grandchild on both sides of her family as well. Her mother said she knew from the moment Shari was born that she would be her little angel. Shari and her siblings, Kenny, Debra, Mike, Cathy, Patty, and Randy, were raised in the Christian faith as her parents were both ministers as well as seasonal workers. The Sparks children were raised to love and serve the Lord, to fear and worship Him, and of the incredible power found in prayer.

Shari was a nurturer right from the start as she helped raise her younger brothers and sisters, which meant that she grew up quickly as she was not only a sister but also a parent to her siblings as well. Shari deeply loved her siblings, and she was also very close to both her mother and her father. The family frequently moved while she was growing up.

Life was forever changed for Shari when she met the young man with whom she would write a love story that would span more than 40 years. His name was Stephen Fitzpatrick, and they became neighbors. From the moment they laid eyes on one another it was love at first sight. Their love deepened, and with a desire to establish a life together Shari and Steve eloped and were married on April 18, 1969.

Together Shari and Steve were thrilled beyond measure to welcome two children into their hearts and home, Mark and Julie. From the moment she became a mother it seemed to be a role that was tailor made just for Shari. She made caring for her husband and children her primary focus, and she was a loving parent, selfless nurturer, and understanding friend. They also had a pet Chihuahua that loved Shari so much that it would sit on top of her head, arms crossed, and watch television with her. Later in life she was thrilled beyond measure to welcome grandchildren into the family. Shari was an integral part of raising her grandchildren, Jessie Ratulowski and Ashley Truax.

Throughout her entire life Shari’s faith was her cornerstone, her strength, and her joy. She instilled her faith onto the hearts of both her children and her grandchildren, and knowing that all of her family members were saved was priceless in Shari’s eyes.

All who knew Shari would agree that she was a woman who was beautiful on the inside and out and a person who was all her own. She always wanted to look her best, and she did, and she has been described as classy. Shari looked forward to visits with Steve to Amish country, and she had an extensive antique collection that she loved. As her family can attest, she had “the look” that was unmistakable, and everyone knew exactly what it meant. Shari was approachable and understanding, which made everyone feel welcome around her.

To know Shari Fitzpatrick was to love her as she was kindhearted and ever-mindful of others in every way. Second only to her faith was her love for her family, and her devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren was unmatched. When Shari loved, she did so with her whole heart and without condition. Although she will be deeply missed, her memory will remain forever near and dear to all who were blessed to feel her touch.

Shari Ann Fitzpatrick, of Plainwell, died on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Shari’s family includes her husband, Steve; two children: Mark (Lisa) Fitzpatrick, of Wayland; Julie Fitzpatrick, of Hamilton; five grandchildren and one great grandchild; six siblings: Kenny Sparks, of Battle Creek; Debra (Don) Bash, of OH; Mike (Vicki) Sparks, of Battle Creek; Cathy (Don) Richardson, of OH; Patty (Randy) Hatfield, of Mattawan; Randy (Katrina) Sparks, of Lansing. Shari was preceded in death by her parents: Roger and Mornie Sparks. The family is having a memorial service for Shari on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Gun Lake Community 12200 W M 179 Hwy, Wayland, MI. The family will be gathering at the church one hour prior to the service for a visitation. Please visit Shari’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook and share a memory. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Resurrection Power Ministries, 526 Hubbard Street Battle Creek, MI 49037.