Obituary of Sharon "Sheri" Lee Russo

Sharon Lee Wain was born in Toledo on January 11, 1947. She was the younger of two daughters born from the union of Arthur “Art” E. and Alice Geneva (Harris) Wain Jr. Sharon grew up in Maybee, attending Dundee Schools before moving to Toledo graduating from Whitmer High School. For several years, she worked in the Azalia Post Office. Sheri then was employed as a waitress for the Monroe Sports Center. She married the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Russo on November 5, 1984. Sheri worked as a secretary and bookkeeper at their business, Monroe Excavating for fifteen years. Sheri was an active member of St. Joseph Parish for many years teaching catechism, and volunteering with her friend Judy Collins at the Kennedy House. Later she began attending Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Sheri enjoyed traveling and she and Tom vacationed on several cruise ships and had toured many parts of the country on motorcycle. Together they also attended many antique car shows and cherished their own 65’ Pontiac GTO and 69’ Firebird Convertible. Sheri was well-known for her beautiful, calming smile and her servant’s heart. She was the rock of her family, never having an ill word to say about others, Sheri often had the ability to lift the spirts and brighten the day of those around her. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Sheri Russo, age 70, of Monroe passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her father-in-law: Dominic Russo and a brother-in-law Tony Russo. To cherish her memory, she leaves a beloved husband: Tom of thirty-three years; a son: Dominic (Rosalia) Russo of Monroe; a sister: Connie (Richard) Desbrough of Dundee; her mother-in-law: Clara Russo; two grandchildren: Tommaso and Natalia Russo; nieces and nephews; many friends; and her cats: Oreo and Patches. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 also at Merkle’s with Pastor Roy Southerland of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Camp Fish Tales, 2177 East Erickson Road, Pinconning, Michigan 48650 or Special Olympics Michigan, P.O. Box 795, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48804. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.