Sharon Hartsell

CADILLAC — After a life well lived, Sharon Hartsell, 86, passed away on May 9, 2026, surrounded by family. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, who will be deeply missed but lives on in our hearts.

Sharon was born on Feb. 25, 1940, in Wayne, Mich., to Mildred and Kenneth Carothers. She grew up there, where she spent lots of time with her beloved grandfather. She received her associate degree in secretarial science from Huntington College in Indiana. She worked at General Motors, where she met her husband, Chuck. They were married on June 29, 1963. They moved to Cadillac in 1973. She worked as a receptionist at several medical practices before moving to the library. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon and elder. She enjoyed an active social life with friends from the library, church and their neighborhood. Sharon was a life-long crafter. She painted whitewear and made baskets, table runners and cards. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing puzzles. She loved dogs — and they loved her back. Several friends’ dogs made a point of stopping to visit her on their daily walks. She enjoyed chocolate, daily walks, a good sale and hunting for rocks, shells and shark’s teeth. She traveled the world with her husband with some of the most special being those she made with her family to England, Scotland, Spain and China. She also enjoyed regular trips around the country to visit family and friends. She was fortunate to spend over 25 years as a snowbird, enjoying Michigan in warm months and Florida during the winter.

She leaves behind her husband, Charles Hartsell; daughters Debra (Michael) Hartsell and Denise Hartsell; brother Kenny (Joan) Carothers; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Mildred Carothers; sister Karen Coe; and sister-in-law Dian Carothers.

The family is planning a celebration of life in Cadillac this summer. She will be interred at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh.