Sharon Dawn Fales, 78, of Allegan, MI passed away Monday, April 14, 2025 at Resthaven Care Center in Holland, one day prior to her 79th birthday. Born April 15, 1946, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Larry Arthur and Wanita (Grauman) Waigand. She grew up on a farm, cultivating her love of gardening at an early age, and graduated from Allegan High School in 1964.

At Hardings Market one day, Sharon made her mom go through a specific checkout lane because she thought the carry-out guy was cute with his big smile and dimples. He joined the Army and it wasn't until years later, after she had graduated and gotten her own apartment, that she ran into him again at Hardings while trying to find a basket for her poodle, Romeo. Two weeks later, that young man, Lawrence Russell Fales, called and asked her out on a date, and their love story began. Sharon and Larry married at the Congregational Church in 1967.

A few years later, Sharon gave birth to their son, Tony, in 1968 and then their daughter, Jenny, in 1974. Their family was perfect, and Sharon and Larry spent their time supporting their children's endeavors. As their kids went through elementary school, Sharon happily offered her time as a room mother and the president of the PTO. She also helped at North Ward Elementary in the office, library, and lunchroom. She was happiest when helping others and giving to her family and friends.

Sharon worked as a secretary for Allegan Public Schools for over forty years, spending time at the middle school before taking her organizational talents and love of typing to the high school. She fondly regarded the high school staff and teachers at the high school as her own children, and they loved her in return. Sharon had a knack for knowing which interviewees would fit best with the staff and could always be counted on to do her work well and thoroughly. She left big shoes to fill when she retired in 2021. Students also recognized how kind and helpful Mrs. Fales was, awarding

her the honor of Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade twice during her tenure at the high school.

As part of her calling to help others, Sharon loved to bake and give food to others. She combined her skills as a wonderful cook and a talented gardener to make jellies and canned items for events at the school and church. She enjoyed sending cards to friends and family to encourage them and let them know she was thinking of them. Sharon was devoted to her faith and enjoyed serving in the church by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and filling the role of Youth Director at First Congregational Church for two years. She believed that God's Grace and prayers from people who cared about her were the best gifts she ever received.

Sharon believed family was the core and foundation of life. She loved watching her four grandchildren grow up and could quite often be found sitting in the bleachers at one of their sporting events. She was an extremely proud mother and grandma, and her family filled her heart with joy beyond words. She always put the needs of those she loved above her own, right up until the end.

In addition to Larry, her devoted husband of fifty-seven years, Sharon is survived by her children, Tony (Kelly) Fales and Jenny (Troy) Aldrich; siblings, Dennis (Deb) Waigand, Diane (Roy) Ellis, Karen (Philo) Frost, Peggy (Larry) Radke, and Wyatt Waigand; grandchildren, Tyler Aldrich, Regan Fales, Aly Aldrich, and Addy Fales; and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A funeral service will begin at the church at noon and Sharon will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery immediately following.

Memorial donations may be made to the Youth Program at the First Baptist Church of Allegan at 1290 32nd Street (M-40 South) Allegan, MI 49010.