Sharon Kay Applegate, 84, of Athens, went home to be with our heavenly Father Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at her home, under hospice care, surrounded by her family.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Sharon will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Wakeshma Community Church, 16732 E. UV Ave., Fulton, MI. Interment will follow at Burr Oak Cemetery in Athens.
Visitation will take place Friday, August 8, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI.
Sharon was born January 16, 1941 to Rex and Florence (Herbst) McMaster in Jackson, Michigan. She graduated from Athens Agricultural School with the Class of 1959.
Sharon married Neil Applegate September 7, 1963 at the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek. He preceded her in death on November 5, 2019.
Sharon attended the Parsons Business School, becoming an Executive Secretary. She worked at the Security National Bank for 10 years, then provided daycare for teacher’s kids for 5 years, Midwest Saddlery in Battle Creek for 2 years, Nottawa Gardens/House of Raeford in Athens for 25 years.
She later worked at Spencer Funeral Home and finally at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, assisting with visitations and luncheons.
Known to be everyone’s favorite Follie’s mom, Sharon was one of the founders of and directors of Athens’ beloved Follies in 1982, staying deeply involved until its final production in March of 2020. She was a member of the Athens Community Theater as a board member, The Athens Area Historical Society, and The Athens Garden Club. She has also been active at the Greenfield House Community Center.
Through the years she attended Factoryville Bible Church and Wakeshma Community Church, where she was a member for over 50 years and she served in the church food pantry since 1981. Sharon was very active in many different ministries.
She was recently recognized as the recipient of the Bob Ling Community Service Award during the annual Summer Homecoming celebration in Athens.
Sharon is survived by her children, Dawn (Shawn) Welch of Vicksburg and her son, Eric Applegate of Fairfax, VA; her brother, Bob McMaster of Union City; her grandchildren, Olivia (Brad) Spieldenner, Grace (Mark) Phelps, Benjamin Welch, Eli Welch, Dalton Applegate, Colton Applegate and Turner Applegate; her great-granddaughter, Linnie Phelps; and her many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Neil, Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, William McMaster.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Wakeshma Community Church, 16732 E. UV Ave., Fulton, MI 49052.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
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