Linda Kay Ware

Linda Kay Ware, age 76, of Colon, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, at Wings Home in Allegan, surrounded by love and the quiet grace she deserved.

Born in Sturgis on October 5, 1948, Linda was the daughter of the late Richard and Florence (Ledyard) Pfenning. She spent most of her life in Southwest Michigan, where her presence was unmistakable; bold, loving, and fiercely loyal.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Ware of Colon; her children Richard (Aftan) Wheeler of Sturgis, Hope (Mike) Roost of Ontario, April Wheeler of Washington, and Steve (Maria) Peterson of Fennville; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of extended family including her brother Steven (Linda) Pfenning of Lewisburg, Tennessee; mother-in-law Helen Ware of Sturgis; sister-in-law Gilby Pfenning of Grand Rapids; and brothers-in-law Jeff Millard, Mickie Ware, and Chris Ware, all of Sturgis. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Danny Pfenning, and her brother-in-law Brace Millard.

To know Linda was to know someone who loved with intensity and spoke with candor. As a mother, she was a force; protective, passionate, and unafraid to speak her truth. Her children knew that behind every sharp word was an even sharper love. As a wife, she was unapologetically herself she didn’t cook or clean, but she sure knew how to take charge. Chuck loved her for all of it, and their bond was one of enduring affection and humor.

Linda’s compassion extended far beyond her family. She had a soft spot for animals of every kind, offering food, shelter, and love to any creature in need—whether it was a stray cat or a wild raccoon. Her home was a haven, and her heart was open. Over the years, she adopted not just pets, but people—calling many her “mom” or “child,” regardless of blood. Her love was unconventional, but it was real, and it was fierce.

Though Linda could be tough, she was also the first to defend those she loved; right or wrong. Her loyalty was unwavering, and her sense of humor was legendary. She lived honestly, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy of resilience and warmth.

One of the best things Linda ever gave her children was the love of music. Growing up, whenever they visited her, Anne Murray was always playing one of Linda’s favorites, right alongside Kenny Rogers. That soundtrack became a quiet thread of connection, comfort, and memory that endures to this day.

We are grateful she is now at peace.

Celebration of Life A service to honor Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4th, at First Baptist Church, 1050 Fawn River Rd, Sturgis, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the service at 12:00 PM, with lunch and burial at Prairie River Cemetery in Centerville.

Memorial Contributions In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to:

• Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, 1426 W Main St, Albion, IN 46701 🐯🦁🐻🐒
• Wings of Hope Hospice. 530 Linn Street Allegan, MI 49010
• Wings Home, 330 Linn Street Allegan, MI 49010
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These organizations reflect Linda’s lifelong love for animals and her compassionate spirit.