Sharon M. Ford Austermiller

Sharon Ford-Austermiller, 64, of Sand Creek, MI, died May 6, 2025, with family by her side after a short battle with lung cancer. To some, she was a waitress; to others, a caregiver; but to those who knew her best, she was a loving, giving, and compassionate person who would stand by you in your most difficult times.

Sharon was born to her parents, James and Bernadette Ford, in Whitehouse, OH, on June 19th, 1960, and raised with her six other siblings on their family farm. Sharon had many formative memories of growing up “on the farm,” attending parochial school, and being close with many of her siblings.

Sharon’s love for her son, Geoff, and his children, Jack, Carter, and Teddy Austermiller, was the foundation of her life. She would do anything for her family and spent as much time with them as possible. She was present for many of her loved ones’ darkest hours and helped them to see light in life’s long tunnel.

Sharon will always be remembered for her caring and compassion she has shown to not only her immediate family, but also to many of her 16 nieces and nephews by taking them to enjoy a weekend away from their parents in “big fun Michigan.” Sharon also spent much of her middle age caring for her aging parents, even having her mother move in with her after her father passed away. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother, daughter, sister, aunt, or friend, and we will miss Sharon every day.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, James V. and Bernadette Ford; her sister, Carol Sgro; and her brother, James E. Ford.

She is survived by her son, Geoff; grandchildren, Jack, Cater, and Teddy; her siblings, Tim, Joe, Kate & Gail; sisters-in-law, Eva and Karla Ford; along with many nieces and nephews.

A small graveside memorial service will be held at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Grand Rapids, OH, on Friday, June 27th at 11:00 am.