Shari Sokoloski

Although Shari Sokoloski possessed unlimited artistic talent, her love will be remembered most. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, Shari lived a life of faith and shared with others through her art and vibrant spirit. Fun loving and so full of life, Shari will be deeply missed and remembered in the hearts of those she leaves behind. As the U.S. was slowly emerging from the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped strengthen the economy with the establishment of the minimum wage law in 1938. It was also a year filled with new technology, cartoons and movie greats. However, the year was filled with the anticipation of new life in the hearts of Christian and Gertrude (Golz) Becker when on September 1, 1938 they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Shari Lee. Born and raised in Big Rapids, Michigan, Shari was the oldest of eventually six children which made for a rather busy household at times. Her father supported his family as a laborer at Hanchetts Factory while her mother tended to their home and looked after the children. A family of faith, they attended the Lutheran church where Shari attended school. It was also there that Shari became aware of her faith as a young girl when she was confirmed. She shared a special bond with her grandparents, and spent much time on their farm. She often reminisced how they churned butter, and fun times sliding down the big hay piles in the fields. Shari and her family moved often. Although their many moves made it difficult for Shari to achieve long lasting friendships, fun was sure to be found at family get-togethers where Shari enjoyed the company of her 32 cousins. Family was always important, and the Beckers got together with extended family as often as possible. Whatever the event, it always proved to be a great time for everyone. Shari always teased that she was her Grandmas favorite, and in fact, her Grandma always did spoil her! Shari attended school in Big Rapids until her family moved to Grand Rapids. Shari completed her seventh and eighth grade years in a one room schoolhouse. In time Shari and her family returned to Big Rapids where Shari began high school and her first job working at the Dairy Bar. She continued working there through high school all while keeping up her studies. A good student, Shari excelled in English, her favorite subject. An attractive young lady, Shari did some modeling and was even voted Miss Walleye in a local pageant. Sharis high school years were filled with friends and activities. Well liked by many, one couldnt help but love Sharis outgoing and fun-loving ways. Full of life, she was truly a joy to be around. She went on to graduate from Big Rapids High School with the Class of 1956. There was something special during Sharis senior year of school that changed her life forever. James Sokoloski was two years older and had a job at American Coil Springs. Shari was working at Tri-County Reminder newspaper and James called her at work and asked her out on a date. The two became quite a pair. They dated for a time, and fell deeply in love. On June 1, 1956 they became husband and wife and set out for a long and loving life together. The young couple rented an upstairs apartment from Norma and Jim Halverson. In fact, the two couples became fast friends and spent nearly every New Years Eve together for the next 35 years. In 1959 Shari experienced one of her greatest joys when daughter Jami was born. She loved being a mother and was equally blessed in 1962 when their second daughter, Vikki was born. The family eventually settled into a home that Jim built, and lovingly raised their daughters. Shari made a wonderful home for them while taking an active role in many of the girls activities. They enjoyed doing many things together. Memorable times were spent each Sunday night watching the Wonderful World of Disney on TV along with their malts and fresh popcorn. Shari was in her element as a mom and was a great one, at that. She served as her daughters Girl Scout leader for a number of years and was also president of the Laketon Junior Olympists girls gymnastic club. Many wonderful times were spent camping together, too, especially at Red Bridge in Manistee where Jim liked to fish. Fun trips were enjoyed visiting California. Their family also enjoyed the love of special dogs through the years when they had Poodles, Jon and Jacque, Jasper as well as a mixed breed named Taco. Along with raising her family, Shari held various jobs. She did everything from servicing vending machines to transporting cars to and from area dealerships. She worked at Steketees, and also worked in the office at Sealed Power. An extremely talented woman, one thing Shari loved doing the most was her art. She was quite gifted, and when it came to her painting and drawing, she found peace and satisfaction within that brought her much joy. She was able to express herself in this beautiful way that many never come to realize. Her talent served her well as she implemented these strengths into her work. As an illustrator, for Hoslers, Anbuhls and countless other businesses where her sketches and illustrated artwork was widely used in newspaper ads. She also worked at Raven Printing and did ad layouts for Quality Farm & Fleet. Shari also painted with oils and watercolors and was especially fond of doing nature scenes. In fact, some of her works hung on the walls at Arons restaurant & Hackley Hospital. She also displayed and sold her work at local art fairs. In Sharis later years she took up beading and made gorgeous bracelets and necklaces. She taught ceramics in her basement studio where she created Sharamics, a ceramics shop. She later opened her consignment shop in Montague called Patchwork and eventually moved her business to Whitehall. With a special touch in everything she did, Shari could always create something special from anything she put her hand to. When Jim eventually retired, they enjoyed visiting the casinos from time to time. Shari was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Muskegon, where she loved the fellowship there immensely. Jim and Shari also loved traveling to California to visit their daughter and granddaughter, which Shari dearly adored. She loved her role as grandma and took them affectionately into her heart. After Sharis husband died in 2002, it was a difficult time but she kept busy, relying on her faith, family and friends to see her through. Shari eventually developed a special relationship with a friend from High School, Delwin Waite which lasted until his death. She later developed a wonderful friendship Don Carrier who brought her much joy and happiness in her remaining days. She remained in good health over the years until last week when she began suffering chest pains. Although a visit to the Emergency Room revealed nothing, Shari sadly died quite unexpectedly on Friday, October 29, 2010 at the age of 72. For Shari Sokoloski, life was about living, loving and family. She was a creative woman who brought her vibrant and fun-loving spirit to everything she did. So full of life, she will be long remembered and deeply missed. Shari is survived by her daughters: Jami (Roger) Harwood of Muskegon, Vikki (Matt Armenta) Thomason of California; grandchildren: Jerid Harwood, Angie (Alex) Amaya, Allison Morrell, Abbey Armenta; great-grandchild, Ava Amaya; brother, Steve (Zonya) Becker of CA; sister, Carole (Rich) Cabacungan of CA; aunt, Hertha Grunst; brothers and sisters-in-law, Chuck (Ginna) Sokoloski, Helen Critchfield, Ruth Lane, Barb Manoski; several nieces, nephews and cousins; special friend, Don Carrier. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Larry and Chris; sister, Linda. SERVICE: Friday, November 5, 2010, 12:00 Noon, First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Bill Uetricht officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. VISITATION: Thursday, 1-3 and 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Please visit ww.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory of Shari or to sign her online guest book.