Elizabeth Claire Uptegraff

Elizabeth Claire Uptegraff passed away in her home on 19 September 2026 after a short illness. She is survived by her Sister Abigail Uptegraff and her Husband James Martinez, her Brother, Aaron Uptegraff and his wife Rosemary and her dear friend and life partner Nancy Botz. Elizabeth was born to the late Grace L. Lewandoski and Harold H. Uptegraff on 12 April 1957 in Bay City Michigan. She graduated from Pinconning High School, Pinconning Michigan in 1975. A trailblazer, after high school, Elizabeth attended the Bay/Arenac Skill Center to train as a welder. Upon receiving her certification she was hired by the Consumer Power and Dow Chemical Midland Nuclear Power Plant project. Progressing in her field, she hired on with General Motors and worked as a Pipefitter from May 1985 until her retirement in October 2016, nearly 32 years! During her employment she also completed her Bachelors Degree with Baker Community College in 1995. Embracing the Work/Life Balance, Elizabeth donated her professional skills lending a hand with plumbing, construction, winterization and other projects for her friends. Her close neighbors could always count on her for good cheer and assistance. She loved golf, camping, traveling and played pickle ball. Elizabeth also enjoyed hosting dinner events, luaus and other themed and holiday parties. Elizabeth was surrounded by many, many good friends and was loved by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and the world is a poorer place without her in it. Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton on Tuesday, September 29 from 2 to 8pm with a scripture service at 6PM. Her funeral Mass will be held at the St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton on Wednesday, September 30 at 11am. Preceding the service is a gathering from 10 to 11am. Memorial contributions in Elizabeth's memory would be appreciated to Adopt-a-Pet Fenton. (The service will be live streamed and can be viewed via Elizabeth's obituary page at www. sharpfuneralhomes.com). Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com