Sharon Lee Butler
Age 86, of Fenton, passed away on December 27, 2024. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Sharon’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
Sharon Lee Butler was born on September 18, 1938, in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Mildred (Dunham) Branz.
She lived most of her life on the waters of Lake Fenton. Attended Mandeville High School and graduated with the class of 1957. She worked at Yellow Freight System (trucking company) for most of her working years. She relocated to the branch in Topeka, Kansas when the Flint terminal closed in 1994-1995. She worked in Kansas until retiring and returning home in 2004. She often talked about the new friends she made, and whose company she enjoyed while working and living there. She loved sitting on the deck and watching the traffic on the lake. Occasionally seeing and visiting with neighbors and friends that were close by. Prided herself on her gardening skills, her favorite being a rhubarb plant from her late brother. She enjoyed shows with horses, old westerns, basketball, and the news. A bit of a homebody but enjoyed the phone calls she received from family and friends. All in all, one tough lady!!
Surviving Sharon are; Ron Butler and family Tristan Butler and Tayron (Keshun) Johnson, and children Jaylen and Jasmine of Topeka, Kansas; Shawn Ridgeway and family, Daniel Davis and children Makayla and Dani, Sterling Ridgeway, Shaina Ridgeway, and Shardon Ridgeway of Fenton, Michigan; Brother, Jerry (Cheryl) Branz of Mooresville, North Carolina; and Sister, Darlene Branz of Lewiston, Michigan. Also, several nieces and nephews.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Mildred (Dunham) Branz, sisters Luella Jean, Mildred Ethel, Fredia Ann, and brother; Albert Arthur. Most recently in 2021 her son; Robert Brett.
Instead of pulling people away from their family and activities during the holiday season, we have opted to honor her in a memorial service in the summer of 2025. Date yet to be determined.
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So sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. I worked with Sharon in Topeka at Yellow Freight. She always had a smile and kind words for all. She was definitely one of a kind. She is missed. Prayers of comfort and peace to her family.
I had the pleasure of working with Sharon when she relocated to Topeka Ks. She was such a super sweet lady and I was honored to have known her. I kept in touch with her over the years via Facebook and was so saddened to hear of her passing. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to her family. 🙏🙏
With deepest Sympathy,
Andrea Jones
I was a coworker of Sharon’s in Topeka. She was also so upbeat and just a wonderful person. May the many memories help you through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy ,
Tammy Wiltz
She was a special lady, always concerned about her family and the people she worked with. It was so courageous for her to move from Michigan to Kansas to finish her career with Yellow, very dedicated and always determined to succeed. Never a cross word to anyone , always willing to help. I will miss her. Sincere prayers and sympathy to all her family.
Wow, your Sharon was a very beautiful lady both inside and out. I believe I was a team lead at Yellow Freight when she started. I later became her manager for years. She always volunteered to help with anything and everything. Change didn’t even bother her.
A funny: The day Sharon started in Topeka we had all PC’s. She had never used a PC and had no idea what a mouse was. She looked at me like she was lost, I said what’s wrong? She said I have no idea how to use this very quietly. I sat down with her and explained it then I opened Solitaire and she played the rest of that day and all the next day. Sharon finally mastered the mouse!!!
Sharon was a beautiful lady and a great neighbor. It was difficult watching her decline the last couple of years but, she stayed very strong and determined. She did love her dogs. She is missed for sure.
Ron, my condolences.
We had some great times on the lake. Your mom was great. Cherish the memories that you had, of all the fun times you had with her.
My dear friend Ron, now I understand why you ended up in KS! May your love for your mom and others lead you to the Hope of Grace we receive from our Savior Jesus Christ. My fond memories of your mom remind me, it is never too late to change. Please know you have a special place in my heart as I remember sitting atop a mountain with you and treasuring our shared time together. I love you forever and ever, my friend