Clara M. (Hennigan) Sharp

Clara M. Sharp, of Boon passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 95.

Clara was born on May 1, 1931 in Boon, Michigan to Charles and Gertie (Hayes) Hennigan. She entered into marriage with the Kenneth Eugene Sharp Sr. on January 18, 1949 in Selma Township, Michigan. Ken later preceded her in death after 68 years together on March 25, 2017. Clara was the devoted and loving mother of ten children, who were the center of her world. She dedicated her life to nurturing her family, offering unwavering love, guidance, and support through every season of life, all while working alongside her husband operating Ken's Auto Parts on Cadillac's westside. Her greatest joy came from seeing her children and loved ones together, surrounded by laughter, stories, and the warmth of home. Clara was lovingly called mom by many. Her door was always open to friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of a place to belong. There was always room at her table, where a hot meal and a welcoming smile awaited. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel at home, and no one ever left her house with an empty stomach. She believed that sharing a meal was one of the purest expressions of love, and her kitchen became the heart of countless cherished memories. She also found great joy in flowers, whose beauty brightened both her home and her spirit. Her children lovingly made sure there was always a fresh vase of flowers for her, a simple but meaningful gesture that reflected the deep love they shared. Those blooms became a daily reminder of the family she cherished so deeply. Clara taught those around her the importance of caring for others, opening your heart, and making everyone feel like family.

Clara is survived by her loving children, Rick Sharp of Cadillac, Janice (Michael) Boyd of Cadillac, Steve Sharp of Falmouth, Brenda Gabrielson of Cadillac, Jeff Sharp of Cadillac, Daniel Sharp of Boon, and Roger (Barbara) Sharp of Cadillac; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother, David (Bonnie) Hennigan; brother-in-law, Rodger Wonsey; sister-in-law, Joyce Cozart; several nieces and nephews; and many other loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Sharp Sr.; her parents, Charles and Gertie Hennigan; sons, Kenny Sharp Jr., Alan Sharp, and Rocky Sharp; and siblings, Clarence Hennigan, Chester Hennigan, Verna Campbell, Josephine Hennigan, Charles Henningan, Virginia Chandler, Richard Hennigan, Beverly Wonsey, and Bernadine Bobinger.

Per Clara's wishes, anyone in attendance for services is asked to wear colorful attire to remember her bright spirit.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 12 noon with visitation held one hour prior also at the funeral home presided by Pastor Cliff Burritt. Interment will take place at Boon West Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at Boon Baptist Church. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Veterans Serving Veterans or The Salvation Army of Cadillac.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to those who cared for Clara, especially Mickey, Judy, Diane, MaryAnn, and the Munson Hospice team.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com

The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clara M. (Hennigan) Sharp, please visit our floral store.