Sara M. VanAuken

Sara passed away, Friday, July 26, 2024, at Allegan County Medical Care Community. 

She was born May 22, 1932, in Otsego, the daughter of William and Agnes (Martin) Shier. Sara graduated from Otsego High School in 1950 and was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a cook at several area restaurants over the years. She owned and operated M-40 Gas & Grocery in Hamilton, MI for 17 years until her retirement in 1997. She had also farmed for many years in Watson Township. 

In her free time Sara loved gardening, reading, taking drives in the country with her children and knitting. She was a wonderful pianist and was happiest when surrounded by her family. On July 12, 1952, at Otsego Church of God she married LaVern VanAuken who passed away in 1974. 

Surviving are children, Nicholas VanAuken of Hamilton, Richard VanAuken of Hamilton, Carrie (Ike) Warner of Otsego and Cindy (Chris) Brockway of Missouri; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild along with several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter-in-law, Gail VanAuken; great-grandson, Jacob Green and siblings, Donald, Dwight and Duane Shier and Nancy Riddle. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego with celebrant MaryAnn DeVries officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Sara may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or Allegan County Medical Care Community. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.