Sharon Schambach

Sharon Ann Schambach, 85, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025. She was born in Grand Rapids on June 21, 1940, to Glen and Alma Merritt, and graduated from Lee High School in 1958. Sharon was married to the love of her life, George, for 57 wonderful years. She retired from AT&T Yellow Pages after 36 years of dedicated service.

A gifted crafter, Sharon lovingly knitted and crocheted, created stained glass decor, and tended to her beautiful gardens. She took pride in her yard, skillfully mowing with her own zero-turn mower around all the plants and trees.

She and George spent their winters in Biloxi, Mississippi, where Sharon loved playing cards and video poker and spending time with their friends in the “snowbird group.” When back in Michigan, she looked forward to Friday evenings playing cards with her siblings—a tradition that brought the family together week after week.

Sharon treasured her relationship with her only sister, Glenna. Best friends as well as sisters, they shared countless days shopping at thrift stores and preparing for their yearly garage sale.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Alma Merritt, and her brother-in-law, Roy DeBoer. She is survived by her husband, George; brother, Larry (Connie) Merritt; sister, Glenna Opatik; brother, Glenn (Joni) Merritt; and sister-in-law, Patricia DeBoer. Although she never had children of her own, Sharon was a loving surrogate grandmother to her 14 nieces and nephews and found great happiness in hearing about their lives and the lives of their children. Sharon will be remembered for her creativity and kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, with Reverend Douglas Braun officiating. Burial will take place at River Bend Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 10:00–10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Donations in Sharon’s honor can be made to the charity of your choice.