Sharon M. Kobs

Sharon Merkel Kobs, 55, left this life on May 4, 2018, at Glen Arbor Hospice in Battle Creek, MI, following a 30-month-long struggle with cancer. She is now reunited with her loving mother, Barbara Joan Merkel, in the flowering fields of heaven where pain and sorrow cannot reach.

Sharon was born on New Year's Eve 1962 in Cleveland, OH, to Barb and Gene Merkel. After graduating from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, Sharon attended Kellogg Community College and later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work at Western Michigan University. She served families at the Calhoun County Friend of the Court office for many years before finding her dream career at Willard Library in Battle Creek where she became both circulation manager and a powerful presence in Willard's many programs for children.

Filled with compassion and love, Sharon made all children her own. During her 23 years at Willard, she helped bring the joy of reading and storytelling to thousands of local children, not only at the library but also at elementary schools throughout the area. Hundreds of high school and KCC students also worked for Sharon in the circulation department at Willard. Her kindness and integrity helped shape their lives and future career choices. Sharon also volunteered as a "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than 22 years, and was named Volunteer of the Year.

Sharon Kobs was an overflowing font of creativity and optimism. She enjoyed photography, especially taking images of butterflies, birds and nature. She also excelled at hand crafts, gardening and home décor, skills she learned about as a child from her beloved mother. She also loved traveling, holiday celebrations, live theater and reading.

In 2001, Sharon met her husband, Peter Kobs, and her future stepson, Austin Kobs. Sharon and Peter married at Greencrest Manor near Battle Creek on June 30, 2002, and began an epic love affair marriage that continued for 16 years. Her positive influence on Austin was profound and lasting as he grew up from a small boy into a successful high school athlete and award-winning college graduate. Austin is now a Captain in the U.S. Army. Sharon was also a treasured aunt to her beloved niece, Luciana Moesta.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Peter, and her stepson, Austin; her sister, Kim Merkel and brother-in-law, Dann Moesta; her father Gene Merkel; her niece Luci; her nephew, Jonathan Fullman; her sisters-in-law Sarah Kobs and Julie Kelble; her in-law parents Robert and Dorothy Kobs; and hundreds of adoring friends throughout the country.

Visitation for Sharon will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care in downtown Battle Creek. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 19, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Battle Creek starting at 11:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Sharon's name may be directed to Willard Library of Battle Creek in support of the library's programs for children. Personal messages and memories of Sharon may be posted online at www.farleyestestdowdle.com.