Sharolyn "Shari" vanDellen, 77, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Berea. Born on Oct. 2, 1947, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Elmer and Evelyn Rollins McCormick, Shari grew up in a nurturing environment that shaped her into the compassionate and loving person remembered by all.
She was the beloved wife of Dave vanDellen, and together they built a life full of love and shared experiences. Her legacy continues through her children, Krista Lainhart and her husband Dustin, Kendra Wiggins and her husband Barton, and Kelly vanDellen and his wife Michelle. Shari's brother, Stanford McCormick, and his wife, Melody, also survive her, cherishing the memories of a lifetime.
Her role as a grandmother was one of Shari's greatest joys. She doted on her seven grandchildren, Joshua (Brittney) McHargue, Katie (Jordan) Borders, Sierra (Jared) Creech, Jared Lainhart (Brooklynn Kenney), Abigail (Eric) Bishop, Anika Wiggins (Clay Edwards), and Abraham Wiggins, and was blessed to see the family grow with the addition of three great-grandchildren, Leah Joy McHargue, Chesney Raegan Creech, and Emma Adele Bishop.
She had a successful career in the real estate industry with DeSloover, Jack Adams Properties, and Rector Hayden, and later shared her expertise in finance with Community Trust Bank.
Shari had a passion for sewing and crafting. Her hands were rarely still, as she was often found creating beautiful quilts that became treasured gifts for her loved ones. Her creative spirit and her quilts will be remembered as warm embraces from a woman who put love into every stitch.
Shari vanDellen lived a life full of purpose and joy. Her presence was a gift to those who knew her, and her memory will be honored by the many lives she touched.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Berea United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Timo Karvonen officiating. Burial will follow in the Berea Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.lakesfuneralhome.com
