Custodial dad accused of abusing children delays sentencing (Charlotte, Michigan)

I did a little digging, and I can't find a single word about what happened to the mother of these children. Of course, the media doesn't even bother to ask that question anymore. Notice that the kids are in residential treatment, not with Mom. So did the mother get similar treatment from dad SHAWNN DEGNER? Do we know for a fact that she's alive, and if not, that she is deceased from natural causes?

http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/Father-Accused-of-Abuseing-Children-Withdraws-Plea-296087581.html

Father Accused of Abusing Children Delays Sentencing
Updated: Thu 2:22 PM, Mar 12, 2015
By: News 10
Shawnn Degner delayed sentencing after judge extends prison time.

Charlotte (WILX) Shawnn Degner asked to delay his sentencing Thursday morning, minutes before he was scheduled to be sentenced in Eaton County Circuit Court for abusing his children.
The 40 year old Potterville man had originally agreed to a guilty plea and a sentence of 3 to 6 years. But Judge Janice Cunningham said new information that came to light during Degner's wife's trial made her reconsider and increased the length of prison time.
Degner said he wanted to think about his options. He'll face sentencing on April 3 with his wife, 37 year old Meagan Degner.
Degner plead guilty in January to a felony child abuse charge. Meagan Degner, step-mother to the teens, was tried and found guilty on the same charges.
Investigators say they tied Shawnn Degner's 13 year old daughter and 15 year old son to their bed and beat them as discipline.
An Eaton County prosecutor said the children were treated like animals.
The children are in a residential treatment program.