Obituary: Sharilyn Rotta, 86, of Ludington

February 19, 2024

Sharilyn Rotta

Obituary: Sharilyn Rotta, 86, of Ludington

Sharilyn Kay (Kucaj) Rotta, 86, of Ludington, passed away at her home on Tuesday February 13, 2024. She was born September 19, 1937, in Ludington, the daughter of Allen Thomas and Catherine Olive (Brockhaus) Kucaj.

On April 2, 1966, Sharilyn married Corwin John “Heinie” Rotta at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ludington, enjoying 52 years of marriage. She selflessly cared for him during his extended illness until he preceded her in death on September 20, 2018.

Sharilyn graduated from Ludington High School and attended West Shore Community College and Baker College. She retired after many years as a podiatric assistant and office manager for Gerald L. Hodde, DPM.

Sharilyn loved to give back to her community. She served in many vital roles at the American Legion, including president of the Auxiliary. During that time she was instrumental in the development of Pizza Night as a fundraising initiative. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America Drill Team, and Bethany Lutheran Church’s Altar Society and Be Loyal Club. She became a loyal member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving as organist for 24 years, alongside her dear friend, Dan Meyers.

Known as “Maama” and “Grandma Maama” to many, she was often found in her beautiful flower gardens in the summer, assembling puzzles with friends in the winter, and preparing delicious treats in the kitchen year-round. Her passion was to serve others. She blessed many with her sewing, crocheting, and knitting creations. Maama’s table always had room for one more. She played the most active role a grandmother could play in her grandchildren’s lives, helping to raise them and nurse them back to health in “Maama’s Sick Bay” and attending games, concerts, recitals, and competitions. Maama’s was the place to go for snacks, treats, and a place to rest for her grandchildren and all their friends as they stopped by before heading off to their many activities. Her life became even more enriched with the births of her great-grandchildren as she showered them with special items made with love by Maama. Each morning she woke with anticipation of the latest photos shared, and their visits brought her boundless joy.

Sharilyn will be greatly missed by sons Thomas Wayne Keneipp of California, and Corwin Kurt Rotta of Grand Rapids; daughters Deborah Kay Lunde, Maureen Goulet, and Kimberly Dianne Alexander, of Ludington; brother Bruce (Doris) Kucaj, Wisconsin; and sisters, Gerrianne Christensen and Kathie Olson, both of Ludington, and Marah Kucaj-Oseland, California; brother-in-law Frank Powers, sister-in-law Velma “Noni” Kozlowski, and many nieces and nephews. “Maama” will be greatly missed by her beloved grandchildren, Jamie L. Lunde, Ludington; Lauren A. (Matt Rehe) Lunde, Colorado; Michael S. Alexander, Grand Rapids; Marjorie Ann Haughom, Grand Rapids, and Morgan K. (Taylor) Jarman, Texas; great-grandchildren, Isla Jade Lunde, Margaret Klaire Jarman, and Magnolia Maye Haughom. She was looking forward to meeting her newest great-grandchild later this year. Sharilyn will also be missed by her neighbors Shirley Chauvin, Carol Pepara, and Mike, Sarah, Iliana, and Delaney Jeruzel, who were not only her neighbors but also her friends who provided companionship and vitality and watched over her with love.

In addition to her parents and loving husband, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Capt. Bernard and Velma (Phillips) Rotta; brothers- and sisters-in-law Richard H. (Frances) Kucaj, Thomas A. Olson, Robert J. (Clara) Rotta, Russell R. Rotta, Bernard F. (JoAnn) Rotta, Bernard R. “Ricky” Rotta, June F. Powers, Patricia R. Hoover, and Gregory Kozlowski.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 209 N. Rowe Street, Ludington on Saturday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Legion Post 76 Veteran’s Honor Guard at 318 N. James Street, Ludington, MI 49431, the LHS Youth Resource Center at 709 E. Tinkham Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431, or the Lakeshore Food Club at 920 E. Tinkham Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.