By Staff
Sharon Hippensteel, 71, of Dowagiac, passed away at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009.
Sharon's life began on May 23, 1937, the daughter of Leo and Cleta "Marie" (Hoover) Cligh.
Sharon was a graduate of Dowagiac Union High School. She was united in marriage to the late Roger Gage Hippensteel on March 31, 1956, at the Federated Church.
Sharon taught piano lessons for more than 50 years to many area students. Sharon also enjoyed reading, playing the piano, stamp collecting and puzzles. She also liked scrapbooking historical Dowagiac Daily News articles.
Her greatest joy in life was her family which includes her children Tim Hippensteel of Dowagiac, Jeff (Patty) Hippensteel of Dowagiac, Lisa (Jim) Waalkes of Grand Rapids, Lori (Greg) Shepard of Holland and Becky (Bob) Turner of Dowagiac; sister Marilyn Ropp of Dowagiac; and nine grandchildren, Jennifer and Justin Waalkes, Amanda, Alyssa and Abby Shepard, Jason and Kristyn Turner and Tyler and Sarah Hippensteel.
Sharon's family will gather with friends on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home. Her Treasured Memories Service will be led by Pastor Justin Shepard at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Sharon will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to Dowagiac District Library or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Sharon at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.