Sharon Fay Bennett, 80, of Zeeland, Michigan, passed into the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on March 16, 2026. Born February 14, 1946, in Osceola, Iowa, Sharon lived a life marked by devoted love for family, steadfast generosity and a love of Jesus Christ. She was always a light in the room, brought lots of laughter and a warm presence that will be deeply missed.
Sharon graduated from high school in Sturgis, South Dakota, and later attended Dakota Wesleyan University on a full scholarship—an early reflection of her capable, determined spirit.
While at school, Sharon met Dale Bennett on July 12, 1967. Just six weeks later, they were married on August 21, 1967, beginning a marriage that spanned the next 58 years and stood as a meaningful example of love to all who knew them. Sharon was the light of Dale's life and Sharon cherished all the time she got to spend with Dale, even managing to work closely together for a number of years. Together they welcomed their daughter, Shelley, and their son, Michael into the world. After many years in South Dakota, the family moved to the Holland area in 1988.
Sharon will be remembered for her magnificent crocheting, with blankets lovingly made for much of the family. She was also an excellent cross-stitcher and found joy in many other arts and crafts, including jewelry making with beads. When she wasn’t creating something by hand, Sharon could often be found absorbed in a crossword puzzle or a sudoku puzzle. She was also known as a joyful, sweet, soul who was also a caretaker and knew how to get the attention of those around her.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Dale Bennett; her daughter, Shelley (Denny) O’Regan; and her grandchildren, Erin (Nolan) Potgeter, Heather (Nevin) Klingenberg, Jessie Bahm, Joshua (Aryianna) Vandenbosch, Isabelle Bennett, and Nikolas Bennett. She is also survived by her sister, Linda (Richard) Archuleta; her brothers, Eddie (Theresa) Gould, Donald Gould, and Gary (Maureen) Gould; and her sisters, Mary Manley and Vicki Gould. Also surviving are 8 great-grand kids with 2 more on the way as well as a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews.
Sharon was preceded in death by her son, Michael Bennett; her grandchild, Jacob Bennett; her father, Avery Gould; her mother, Helen Gould; her brothers, Virgil Gould, Leland Gould, James Gould, and David Gould; and her sister, Gina Gould.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street, Holland, Michigan 49424, on March 29, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm with designated family sharing time from 3:30 pm to 4:00pm.
