Sharon Kay (VanDenBerg) Morris

Sharon Kay Morris passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 8, 2020 in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the age of 78.

Sharon was born on November 4, 1941 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Grace (Jepkema) and Dewey VanDenBerg. In 1959, she married John Stryker. They raised two sons, David and Douglas.

Sharon enjoyed her decades-long career in the home furnishings industry, including many years working in Chicago's Merchandise Mart where she collaborated with some of the city's most prominent interior decorators. Sharon maintained her passion for design throughout her life and had a knack for turning flea market finds into renewed works of art. Sharon was an avid gardener, reader, and food enthusiast.

Sharon was a devoted mother, always supporting her sons and their families. Sharon found great joy in being a grandmother and great-grandmother, and enjoyed hosting many holidays and important life events, always with the greatest attention to detail in her menu and decor choices. Entertaining was her gift and her family has the fondest memories of their time at Gram's house. Sharon had an infectious personality and was a guiding force and role model. One of her greatest joys was participating in the life adventures experienced by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be profoundly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Tom VanDenBerg; her former spouse, John Stryker; and her granddaughter, Nicole Stryker.

She is survived by her two sons, David (Jannette) Stryker of Plainwell and Douglas J. Stryker of Comstock; eight grandchildren, Rebecca (Jared) Tinklenberg, Lauren Jones, Rachelle (Brody) Welch, Leise (Brian) Rosman, Alison Park, Mitchell Grimmer, and Suzanne Grimmer; ten great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Bob, Jack (Ila), and Dan VanDenBerg; and her former spouse, Andrew Morris.

A cremation has taken place in accordance with Sharon's wishes. An outdoor graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park South, 3941 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. The family welcomes donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers. Please visit Sharon's online guest book to leave a condolence, personal message or memory of her at https://www.langelands.com