Sharon Long, 79

Sharon Ann Long, age 79, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday evening August 8, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
She was born December 1, 1941 in Sturgis, the daughter of the late Edwin and Lucile (Bowman) Schroeder.
Sharon was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class or 1959.
On July 8, 1966 she married James H. Long in Sturgis.
Following eight years of dedicated employment with the Kirsch Company in Sturgis she left to stay home and raise her family. During that time she worked many part-time jobs.
She was a lifetime member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sturgis where she was a member of the Ladies Mission Circle and in her earlier years she taught Sunday school and was a member of the choir.
Sharon especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren, doing search a word puzzles and also any outdoor activities.
She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 55 years: Jim; two daughters: Lori Simonds of Portage and Lisa (John) Fisher of Schoolcraft; three grandchildren: Alec Simonds of Kalamazoo, Abbie Simonds of Portage and Peyton Fisher of Schoolcraft; one sister: Marcia Cromer of Vicksburg and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son: Scott “Opie” Long; four brothers: Norman, Howard, Harold and infant Maurice; two sisters-in-law: Marjorie Schroeder and Kathryn Schroeder and brother-in-law: David Cromer.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 16th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sturgis, where a memorial service celebrating the life of Sharon Long will begin at 11:00 A.M. Monday.  The Rev. Darin Warnecke will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Long’s memory consider St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1108 E. Lafayette St., Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where we encourage relatives and friends to share memories and leave condolences for the family.