ForeverMissed
Large image
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Sherron DeVos, 83 years old, born on December 27, 1937, and passed away on March 5, 2021. We will remember her forever.

To view her funeral service go to Gallery>Video and click on the video.
May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
A message from Carolyn Mildenhall:

Memories of Sherron

I don't remember the first time I met Sherron, but I do remember loving to be with her! It was always nice to see and visit with her whenever she came to visit Melanie and Mike. Melanie would often have gatherings that included Sherron when she was in town. (I'm thinking particularly of the Halloween Witch's Teas!) Sherron was always so fun and jumped right in - never hesitating, never shy; but warm and personable. She ALWAYS had a smile on her face! She was always interested in my life and wanted to hear about my family.

I remember going to lunch with her at Mirko's one day. I can't ever remember the occasion - perhaps she was staying with the children while Melanie and Mike were out of town??? Anyway, we had a delightful time and I learned so much about her life and past experiences. I remember being fascinated with stories she told of adventures in traveling.

Sherron loved her family! She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to be with them. I remember visiting her in Merrill gardens and she would tell me about each of her family members and how she loved them. In fact, she loved everyone! She was so appreciative of any kindness shown her. At the end of our visits, she never failed to say, "Love you!!" What a gentle, tender soul! I can see why Melanie is so thoughtful and loving: she was shown the perfect example by her mother, Sherron!

Sherron loved music! It was always fun to sing with her - to recall the old favorites that she knew and loved! I'm so glad she was included in the Molinaro Family's rendition of "Mele Kalekemaka"! I treasure that performance!

I'm blessed to have known Sherron DeVos! She's shown me a great example of loving, of being gracious, kind, and gentle. And what a great day it will be to see her again - the Sherron we know and love!
May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
A message from Tami Thorpe:

Memories of Sherron DeVos

When I sat with Sherron before she went into a care facility, our conversation was centered around her family. She especially loved talking about her husband and how she loved him! She talked about her daughters and her grandchildren. At that point, she had wonderful memories of her grandchildren. It was evident that family was the center of her life.

After she went into the care center, I spent time with her on a few occasions. One time we watched a Christmas program that a group came in and performed. She loved the singing and I could see her eyes light up as they sang Christmas songs.

Her memory became much worse as time went on, but she loved to beat me in a game we would play. Whether she or I won, Sherron always considered that she was the winner. She knew the words to some of the old songs much better than I did. 

. . . Melanie was such a loving daughter through these very difficult years and I admired her so much for the love she had for her mother.
May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
A message Beth Cunningham:

Dear Melanie and Mike,

I am so sorry for your loss, but I know you are delighted for her (as she had suffered from Alzheimer's).

Thank you so much for sending me the service to my phone. I read your family's words and looked at the pictures and it brought back some memories that I thought I would share with you.

Your dad was my realtor when I put our home and property up for sale in Crossville (Tennessee) in October 2014. My husband, Bob, had passed in September of 2012. Even though it was a specialty property, Dave did not forget me, and would contact me every couple of weeks and give me an update. He did show it a few times. One day I dropped in to see him at the office, and he witnessed to me how he came to join the Mormon Church. Your mother was very ill and he decided to pray and he promised if she lived, he would join the Faith. Well, she lived and that took care of his resistance. Two days after he witnessed to me, he had a heart attack and passed away. I am so grateful for his sharing and the time with him.

You mom and dad were an amazing team - that you are well aware of. I remember when he was a Bishop at the Crossville Church and they were both busy taking care of whatever needs there were. And going to Knoxville to can produce monthly (for those in need).  . . . Sherron was on the Library Board, too. She told me about her previous travels in Europe; always very interesting to hear. Sherron was always careful with choosing her words, to make sure they were clean and clear with no negativity in them.  No gossip. Something to aspire to! One Christmas Sherron gave me a gift certificate to a restaurant in Fairfield Glade, and the 4 of us had a meal together.

She loved her family and grandchildren, and she enjoyed being such a part of their lives. She and Dave were always driving to Atlanta to visit you and your children. She also spoke of Anna often, and her designing of purses and shoes, and designing the interior of hotels in Atlanta and Singapore. Anna was, and probably still is a creative and gifted designer.

These are a few tidbits I wanted to share.

In love and sympathy,

Beth Cunningham
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
A message from Nan Hunter:

S surely, I remember
H her, so lovely, so
E exquisite in her demure, quiet way.
R ready to help, believe and cheer,
R righteous and pure, a mother to
O one of the dearest of dear, and took in another,
N not one to fear. Now that she's eleven good years
    to ninety, I pray she'll have joy and live very sprightly.

xoxoo nan
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
A message from Donna Robbins:

March 13, 2021

Dear Melanie,

I have been praying for your comfort since the passing of your Mom, Sherron. I know how sweet and wonderful and special she has been to you all of your life, and to have her out of your midst now must be very hard. Even though we know where she is and that you will see and be with her again, it is probably the hardest human emotion to go through, so much so that our Savior Atoned for everything we would be called upon to suffer in this life and He
indeed can make our burdens and sorrows lighter to help us through the hardest parts of them.

I have a few memories of Sherron that bring a smile to me when I think of them. One in particular was the trip you and Mike planned for Nashville. First of all, it was an awesome fun weekend and it was a weekend that Sherron was with us and I truly believe she was having the best time ever! She was almost like a school girl, just smiling and practically skipping along with us while we were walking the town. She was especially taken with Dave that day and
decided to take him arm while crossing streets and just enjoying keeping in stride with him. It was fun for me to watch and I know it made him feel really good too…in that she was so happy and having lots of fun.

I also remember her telling me one time about how your Dad would play his guitar and sing and she said she would just sit there and listen to him for hours. It sounded like it was one of the most special things she enjoyed about him and at the time of telling me, she was reminiscing, as he had already passed on. So, I could just tell that they had a really sweet relationship and that she had her own wonderful memories of him that she enjoyed sharing.

I often made it a point to tell Sherron how pretty she looked when she would be at church. She really did, too — I wasn’t just saying it! She was always well coordinated with her outfits, very neat, hair looking good and a smile on. She walked with style and grace and was very gracious when I complimented her. I admired her for taking such good care and making it out to church when she was able and just doing the best she could.

When I think of her I automatically think of flowers. She just reminds me of flowers. I don’t know why that is…maybe because of her blonde hair, her coloring, feeling like springtime and light and breezy with the smile again!
I know right now she is soooo happy!

I can’t imagine the reunion between her and David. What an unbelievable experience of pure joy that had to be. That part makes me so happy and so grateful for the Plan of Happiness that has been given to us in this life by our loving Father in Heaven through his Prophets, to help us through everything we will experience in our lives.

When I was a young girl I always loved to look through old cemeteries and read the headstones and think about the people that had been buried there and what they were like. To this day I remember the verse on a headstone of a young teenaged girl who had died in the late 1800’s. It read:

        Weep not for for me,
You upon life’s tempests tossed.
For Jordan’s flood I’m past, you see,
And you have left to cross.

I don’t know why, but that verse is still in my memory and it was just a reminder that she was now past the hard parts of life and now in a wonderful paradise where happiness and joy are everywhere.

And finally, this is one of my very favorite scriptures that bring hope of joyful things to come:

Revelation 21: 1-4

1. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be nor more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

I wish you the best and pray that your healing will become more joyful in reminiscing the good memories, and that the hardest parts will softly fade away. I know our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ will help you every step of the way.

With love,
Donna
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
A message from Dana Leary:

I have many memories of Sherron when Melanie would host a gathering at her home for a family celebration, such as a graduation or marriage. Sherron would be helping with the AMAZING spread of delicious food and I would marvel at the decorations and how perfect everything was for the event. I later learned that Sherron specialized in party planning, and now I know where Melanie inherited her talent for doing so.

A more recent memory of Sherron was during a visit with her in Memory Care. Thankfully, Melanie shared some ideas by email of what her mom liked to do with visitors. I have to admit, this was a new experience for me…visiting with someone I knew but who really wasn’t sure if she remembered me. We walked together, talked, visited in the common area with other residents, played Bingo, and other things I can’t recall now.

What I DO recall is how Sherron’s face lit up when I pulled out a book with a list of old-timey songs and we sang together. Now mind you, singing solo AND without music accompaniment is an uncomfortable task for me. Even though I sang in chorus in elementary school, I am NOT a vocalist now. Thankfully, Sherron joined right in once I got started, and seeing the joy on her face as she sang familiar and favorite songs was worth every minute and is a precious memory.

Sherron was a sweet lady with a sweet spirit, and I know Melanie and family did ALL they possibly could to give Sherron the best quality of life available. I pray that Melanie and the rest of the family will feel at peace knowing that Sherron is now amongst other angels and is free from her earthly physical ailments.

Shared with love,
Dana Leary
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
A message from Dave & Kalenn Stallings:

Dave and I first came to know Sherron and Dave at a group dinner with The Molinaros and other friends. They were a delightful couple to visit with and I really remember Sherron loving the trifle I brought for dessert and asking me for the recipe. 

Our next good time with Sherron was after Dave had passed and she was living with Melanie and Mike. A group of us including Sherron went on a weekend trip to Nashville. It was fun to spend this time with her enjoying The Grand ol' Opry, tours, great meals and laughs! She was such a trooper and good sport. On this trip she told Dave the story of how she hit the HS principle in the head with a foul ball while playing baseball. They had a great laugh over this memory!

After Sherron's health declined and she was in a facility we, several times accompanied by our kids.. enjoyed visiting her there. We loved sharing Magnum ice cream bars, visiting, walking with her around the facility, and especially singing songs with her! She loved that!

We also remember the time we took our Activity group girls to visit with Sherron one evening. We enjoyed singing with her and sharing Valentine treats and cards.

We definitely got a kick out of the story she told Melanie about how Dave Stallings had joined another church and how she was very worried about him and needed to get him back to the LDS church. ( Or something like that?) We know all too well that you "have to" be able to laugh at some things that Alzheimer's patients concoct!

Sherron was a delightful lady with a warm and happy spirit and cute, kind of mischievous smile! Dave and I have loved getting to know her. Attending her funeral service was another glimpse into the wonderful ways this woman lived her life and Dave also felt honored to participate as a pallbearer to help lay this sweet lady to rest. 

Zipppa- de- do-da to you Sherron!

With love, Kalenn and Dave
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
A message from Gail Hyder:

My family and I have many fond memories of Sherron and Dave. When Jennifer was at BYU, Sherron picked Jennifer up at her apartment and took her out to lunch and for a day of shopping. Jennifer was so appreciative because no one else did anything like that for her while she was away at college, and they had a wonderful time together.

Jennifer also recalled all the extra time Sherron spent making Young Women activities so special. She remembered one time when Sherron asked her to chop some onions for something they were making in Young Women. Jennifer thought that she had better make them perfectly even because Sherron always wanted everything so nice. So Jennifer took about an hour with those onions, and Sherron never said a word about her being so slow!

Tiffany spent a lot of time at their home with Anna. She remembers how much Dave liked ice cream and his wonderful sense of humor. In Young Women, Tiffany recalls many fun activities that Sherron made very special for all the girls. I was a counselor in Young Women when Sherron was president. She always went the second mile to make each young woman feel special and loved. She wanted everything as perfect for them as possible.

I also worked with Sherron in many other church callings. When I was Relief Society president in our ward, Sherron was in charge of the single adults at the stake level. We often discussed how we could motivate the single sisters to attend stake activities. Sherron taught Gospel Doctrine class for many years and was an excellent teacher. I was called to that position when Sherron was released and remember feeling very inadequate to follow in her footsteps. I remember that she loved to use object lessons, when possible. One lesson I remember well was when she had people seated at the front of the room eating. The point of the lesson was people "feasting in the gospel" but not sharing with others and how that made us feel. It definitely got the point across!

Dave also taught Gospel Doctrine for quite a while and did an excellent job. One of my favorite things he did was when he broke out into song during the lesson or when giving a sacrament talk. He had a beautiful voice, and it always added to the spirit of the lesson or talk.

Dave was called to be bishop of our ward when Roger was released. They often talked and shared words of encouragement to one another as they served in various callings. I also recall Dave and Sherron visiting Roger and me in our home numerous times. We both enjoyed their company and felt the Spirit as they spoke about the Gospel.

Sherron injured her hand, I don't remember the details, but I drove her to her doctor appointments in Knoxville several times since she could not drive herself. We really had an enjoyable time together. Sometimes we would stop and shop awhile or pick up something to eat. I got to know Sherron much better as we talked all the way to Knoxville and back!

I remember a time that I took a meal to Sherron when she was ill. When she returned the dish, not only had she included a thank you card, but she had filled up the dish with candy that she had made. She said it was a tradition in the family to never return an empty dish. I was very touched by her kindness, and my daughters remembered it as well.

Sherron and Dave had a very strong, special love for one another which was apparent every time they were together. Dave was always cracking jokes, and Sherron would always laugh out loud and sometimes shake her head if the jokes were too corny. Lol.

Probably my last memory of Sherron was during the time Roger was fighting ALS. Sherron and Anna visited him and brought enough food for at least two delicious meals. I remember the love and empathy in Sherron's eyes as she saw the struggle that Roger was having with the disease. She had great love and compassion for others and a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both Dave and Sherron were true disciples of their Savior, Jesus Christ.

My family and I will always treasure our memories of Dave and Sherron. They are loved and missed by many in our ward.
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
A message from Carol Grieshop:

My first thought of the DeVos is of the classes they both taught in Sunday school, lessons where Sherron introduced the concept of ponderables, and Dave's many insights into the history of the Scriptures and of his explanation of chiasmas.

When Harold and I were on our mission in Salt Lake City, Sherron and Dave were visiting Sharron's father and were kind enough to contact us and invite us for a lovely lunch. It was good to see friendly faces from our home ward. Dave announced to us at lunch that day that he had just been called as the Bishop of the Crossville Ward.

They both did such a marvelous job with the open house for phase three of our church building. They worked hard to make it a classy event with all sorts of displays and information. It was in preparing for this open house that Vonda Childress asked my opinion about her family history display and we learned that we were related. It was because of Sherron and Dave that it turned out to be an extraordinary community event.

I will never hear about frog-eye salad without thinking of Sherron. She had a way of making everything she did seem special. Dave had the most beautiful voice and was willing to share it with the ward many times over the years. They were both very talented and special people.
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
A message from Chrystine Reynolds:

Journal, August 21, 2007.

Experiences surrounding Merrill Heward's Endowment and his sealing to Helen Watson Heward as well as my sealing to my parents (Helen and Merrill Heward) at the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple on August 21, 2007.

The day of Dad's Funeral -- August 29th, 2006 -- I spoke with my cousin, Sherron DeVos, and asked her if she and her husband Dave (whom Dad had once told that if anyone could persuade him to become active in the Church once more it would be Dave) would like to help me do Dad's Temple work on the one year anniversary of his death. I evidently reminded her of that request in my Christmas Card to them last December. (I didn't remember doing that; but Sherron definitely did!)

I had originally thought that we would do Dad's Temple work at the Winter Quarter's Temple where Jim and I serve as ordinance workers. I thought that Jim might be able to officiate over Dad's Iniatory, and that Jim and I might also be able to participate in Dad's Endowment session as the sessions' officiator and follower, since -- as Temple ordinance workers -- we are able to officiate in those capacities. My thinking was that in that case, both Jim and Dave would be able to participate in Dad's Temple work, and I might be more involved in Dad's Endowment session than I would be as a patron as well. I also planned to have Brother Harkness -- a wonderful sealer at the Winter Quarter's Temple -- whom I especially like -- do both Mom and Dad's sealing to each other and my sealing to them.

However, when Sherron called about a month ago to make plans for the event, she suggested that we meet at the Nauvoo Temple and do the ordinances there, instead, since it would be about six hours closer to their home in Tennessee and also because Dave had never visited Nauvoo. Jim said he wasn't disappointed about not being able to do the work at the Winter Quarter's Temple, so I said we'd be happy to do that.

(It is interesting to me as I write this, how the Lord always knows what is best for us. I had initially been somewhat disappointed that we wouldn't be doing Dad's work in the Winter Quarter's Temple as I had planned. However, although it would have been nice to have had Jim more involved in the ordinances, it ended up being much more appropriate for Dad and for our family to do those ordinances in Nauvoo.)

In choosing a Temple to perform Dad's ordinances in, I had not remembered that Dad's ancestors and mine had helped build the original Nauvoo Temple, and that that detail would mirror Mother having being endowed in the Temple her ancestors had helped build. 

Also, although I'm sure that the Temple Presidency, etc., at the Winter Quarter's Temple would have tried to make sure our experiences with the ordinances we were performing that day were spiritual and lovely, their familiarity with Jim and I, I think, might have tended to lessen the impact that the kindness of virtual strangers at the Nauvoo Temple had on all of us.

The ordinance workers in the Nauvoo Temple focused a great deal of their attention on us that day. They seemed sincerely excited to be involved in our "day" and made an extraordinary effort to make sure that it was memorable for us -- from anticipating our arrival from the time of my phone call to the Temple that morning, to personally helping me with my Family Group Sheet, to escorting us everywhere we needed to be, and then to allowing us to perform our sealings in the sealing room where live sealings are typically performed. In essence, they did everything they could to make our experience in the Temple that day both lovely and meaningful.

Returning to my remembrances of the week before August 21st, Jim and I had scheduled a trip to Pittsburgh the weekend before the 21st of August -- the date of Dad's death and the date for the Temple work to be done. I wasn't worried about that because I'd reminded Jim that we had to be back home the night of the 20th so we could drive to Nauvoo the next morning and have plenty of time to do the work. Needless to say, I was a little dismayed when he told me we were scheduled to return to Des Moines at about noon on the 21st! Fortunately, we were able to exchange those tickets for some which had us returning very late on the evening of the 20th, so we THOUGHT everything would then go perfectly smoothly! (Oh, contraire!)

We had absolutely no hitches on the way to Pittsburgh -- OF COURSE -- but when we got to the airport on Monday evening for our return flight to Des Moines, we were told our plane was delayed; and we probably wouldn't be able to make our connection in Chicago -- thus making it impossible to get to Des Moines that night. Everything the American Airline's agent, Stephen Jackson, did to try to get us to Chicago in time on another carrier was futile. Finally, I suggested he send us through St. Louis as we could then either fly to Des Moines early the next morning -- or -- if worst came to worst -- we could drive to Nauvoo from St. Louis in less than the time it would have taken us to drive there from Ames. (Of course, I had forgotten about the minor problem that our car was in Des Moines, not St. Louis!!) Jim did remember that little detail, so he made sure we had the plane tickets from St. Louis to Des Moines in hand before we left the ticket counter!

We also hoped that the weather problems that had caused our plane to be delayed getting into Pittsburgh wouldn't occur in St. Louis in the morning. (I wondered as all this was happening if SOMEONE -- who shall remain nameless -- had had anything to do with the "Murphy" experiences we were having concerning this flight!)

It was a good thing we changed our tickets when we did, as the flight we had been supposed to fly to Chicago on was officially canceled the moment we walked away from that counter!

Another "Murphy" incident which had happened in conjunction with doing Dad's Temple work occurred the Sunday before we left for Pittsburgh, as I had had trouble trying to get a disc put together to take to the Temple to do Dad's work. Several friends who work in the Family History Center in our stake had tried to help me with that as the Family History Center's computer's date had to be put forward so it would accept a submission for an ordinance which would be performed exactly one year from Dad's death date -- which, of course, hadn't happened yet (the date -- not the death)!!! We tried over and over for two hours during Sunday School and Relief Society and Priesthood Meeting to get Temple Ready to cough up the submissions; and each time it cleared the sealings but not Dad's endowment. (Ask me HOW it did that as you have to be endowed before you can be sealed!) Needless to say -- that particular snafu made me wonder if the above "unnamed person" was trying to frustrate the progress on performing said ordinances. The later problems with our flight from Pittsburgh to Chicago just further solidified that observation!)

Because we could never get all the ordinances cleared that Sunday in the Family History Center, we finally gave up and decided to fall back on the Family Group Sheet which works if a live ordinance is going to be performed -- i.e., my sealing to my parents! (I had been able to do my Mother's Endowment on March 15 of 2004, because I was the proxy for her ordinance, and my name appeared on the Family Group Sheet with hers, but I wondered if that would work with my Dad's Endowment, etc., since I -- as a woman -- couldn't perform that ordinance; and Dave wasn't directly related to Dad.) Thus, I called the Nauvoo Temple the following week to make sure we would be able to do those ordinances with a Family Group Sheet and with Dave as the proxy since I thought then that I wouldn't do my own sealing to Mom and Dad on that day; and thus that we wouldn't actually be performing a live ordinance from that Family Group Sheet. (Complicated enough???) They assured me that that would be fine. I then had to call back a few moments later to find out if we needed an appointment for any of the ordinances -- which we didn't need to have. All this information took a while to get as it required speaking to several different people, but it alerted the Temple office to my situation which -- as events later unfolded -- was a good thing to have happened!)

I went home from the Family History Center that Sunday with a partially filled out Family Group Sheet; and then had my friend (Marilyn Forgey -- our Stake Family History Specialist) help me put more of the information I had inadvertently left at home the previous Sunday on the sheet. I then took that sheet home, downloaded Paf 5 from the lds.org web site, and after calling several relatives, and typing the sheet over and over, had TWO beautiful copies of the fully completed sheet ready to go just before we left for Pittsburgh -- which I then purposefully left on Jim's dresser since I was PLANNING on returning home to Ames before driving to Nauvoo on the 21st!

(It was a good thing I had typed that information so many times, because I still had it in my head later in Nauvoo when I desperately needed to have it there!!!)

We got to St. Louis with no problem and made it to Des Moines the next morning, landing about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. As soon as we were on the ground, I called the Temple to ask them if I would be able to hand write a family group sheet since the one I had so carefully typed the week before was sitting home on Jim's dresser and we wouldn't have time to go home to get it before driving to Nauvoo. They assured me that that would be no problem, so I then called Sherron and Dave -- who were already in Nauvoo enjoying the sights and the "sites" -- and told them what time we would probably arrive there.

We got to the Temple, and Sherron and Dave had just arrived at the Temple as well. As soon as we arrived, it was obvious that because of the two phone calls I made to the Temple before leaving for Pittsburgh to find out how to proceed with Dad's work, etc., as well as my phone call that morning, the Temple staff was "on alert" and waiting to help us. (Fortunately, there weren't a lot of patrons there at the time as many of the usual summer tourists had gone home to get kids back in school, etc., so the Temple staff were able to devote most of their attention to us.)

Sister Nysetvold -- a six-month Temple Missionary from The Woodlands in Texas -- approached me as soon as they realized that I was the person who had called about needing to put together a family group sheet to do Dad's work. We were short on time as it was about 2:30 p.m., and we needed to make the 3:00 p.m. session so we could get Sherron and Dave to the "Rendezvous at Old Nauvoo" performance they had tickets for that evening. (They were leaving to go home to Tennessee the next morning; and we didn't want them to miss that performance!)

Sister Nysetvold immediately took me into the office area and procured a couple of blank Family Group Sheets. I filled one out (using the aforementioned information which had been duly impressed upon my brain throughout my many typings) and then the Assistant Temple Recorder -- Brother Robert Spurgeon -- whose wife I had immediately recognized as a fellow ex- Restricted Service Ordinance Worker (RSOW) from the Chicago Temple -- they also later worked as Ordinance Workers in the St. Louis Temple before the Nauvoo Temple was built -- typed the information into the Temple computer and completed the submission and papers we would need to do the work. In the meantime, Jim, Dave and Sherron went upstairs to the dressing rooms to get ready for the session, and Dad's initiatory, etc.

As soon as the submission was finished, Sister Nysetvold escorted me up to the second floor so I could get ready for the 3:00 p.m. endowment session -- which was just minutes away. Sherron was already dressed in her whites and had the New Name for the person she was to be proxy for by the time I arrived in the dressing room area. The person Sherron was to be proxy for was named Annie Gentry. Because of her preoccupation with Dad's endowment, etc., Sherron didn't notice the exact date of Annie's birth or the place of her birth other than that she had been born in the mid-1800's and that she was born somewhere in the US. (I thought it was interesting on glancing at Sherron's name slip once we were seated in the Creation Room that Annie's last name was Gentry, which was the name of the Missouri county Dad's ancestors had lived in before being forced to leave their homes and move to Far West prior to the Saints' expulsion from there to Nauvoo in 1838.) The person who's Temple File Name I received was Mary Concepcion from Tequisquiapan, Queretaro, Mexico -- which is located in central Mexico about 120 miles from Mexico City and which is known for its thermal spas. She was christened in 1743. The New Name for the day was one that would have pleased Dad and his extended family as it was the name of one of his (and my) female ancestors. I thought that was a nice coincidence.

Sister Nysetvold and one of the Temple Matrons walked us up the squared staircase near the women's dressing area so we could go immediately into the Endowment session as soon as Dave and Jim arrived. After Sister Nysetvold said we were planning on attending the 3:00 p.m. session, an ordinance worker went to check and see if Dave had finished doing Dad's initiatory ordinance and if Jim and Dave were both dressed for the endowment session. The Temple President then actually held the session for several minutes so we could make that 3:00 session! (Something most officiators -- and especially Temple Presidencies and Matrons don't like to do if they can avoid it!) That just showed me once more how much they were doing to try to accommodate our needs that day! Sister Nysetvold told me then that she would meet us in the Celestial Room at the end of the session to direct us to a sealing room.

Sherron and I were ushered into the Creation Room; and Jim and Dave came in moments later. I immediately felt a great spiritual warmth as well as a feeling of peace the moment I sat down in the Creation Room. I wasn't sure whether the warmth came from Maria -- the person I was performing the endowment for that day -- or from Mom or Dad, or from all three; but it was a lovely feeling regardless of the source.
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
Part 2 - Chrystine Reynolds

As the Endowment progressed, I struggled to focus on Maria as thoughts of Dad and Mom often intruded. The scenery in the Temple film we were watching has always reminded me of the High Country where our ranch is located in Utah, so that was especially poignant for me and appropriate for Dad. I had a hard time controlling my emotions during that part of the film and was also especially hit by one of the statements about a specific blessing Dad would have been given during a portion of his initiatory which I thought would have been wonderful for Dad to hear and experience after his service in World War II and in Korea and his difficult feelings about those two wars.

Jim later said that -- for some reason -- Dave somewhat resembled Dad to him during the endowment session. That is interesting to me as Dave really doesn't resemble Dad at all. (Maybe it was a Brigham Young/Joseph Smith moment!!) Jim also said later that he thought it was extremely appropriate that the man he was proxy for -- since he was escorting "Dad" during his Endowment -- was named Daniel McGillicuddy and that he was from Kerry County, Ireland! (Dad -- of course -- always loved limericks and Irish drinking songs and thought of himself as of Irish descent even though his ancestry was much more Scottish and English than it was Irish!) I thought that was a fun touch as well; and it, again, reminded me of Dad when Jim told me about it.

The Temple Prayer Circle was lovely as I stood between Dave (Dad's Proxy) and Jim. Sherron was in the Circle as well. It was so nice to be with family during that sacred time.

Because Sherron and I were the last two sisters to go through the veil, we were able to watch Dave as he took Dad through the veil. That was very poignant for me, and I rehearsed the words of the veil ceremony in my head as I watched Dave from my seat in the Terrestrial Room. Because I had just come from that "view," my own time at the veil was also sweet and emotional as I contemplated the blessings Maria was receiving as well as the ones my Dad had just received and which also pertained to me now that he had those blessings as well.

The officiator who took me through the veil had a deep and soothing voice and did a lovely job with the veil ceremony, which added to its poignancy for me.

We were then in the lovely Nauvoo Temple Celestial room. Dave and Sherron sat on the gold couch under the Celestial Room window; and Jim and I sat under the painting of the heron in the "rainbow" detailed, Mississippi River marsh. (The "rainbow" in the painting -- according to the artist -- signifies his hope that the dark events of Nauvoo will never happen there again.) My own emotions blocked any special feelings about the presence of Dad or Mom at that moment, but it was lovely to sit there and realize that both my parents were now endowed and would soon be sealed to each other.

At that moment, I was still planning on performing my sealing to my parents at the Winter Quarter's Temple sometime in the near future, but I was looking forward to Mom and Dad's sealing, which I assumed would be performed in one of the sealing rooms on the Endowment Room level (4th floor of the Nauvoo Temple.)

I then noticed Sister Nysetvold by the door. A few moments later, she came up to me and told me that when I was ready, they would take us to the sealing room to perform the Mom and Dad's marriage sealing. The four of us stayed a few minutes longer in the Celestial Room talking about Dad and about our experiences during the Endowment session and sharing hugs all around; and then we were ready to do the sealing. Sister Nysetvold escorted us from the Celestial Room; and I was about to turn toward the sealing rooms on that floor when she directed us to the circular staircase; and said we would be going up to the sealing room on the 5th floor of the Temple. (At that moment, I just about passed out! ) That sealing room is (along with the first floor Solemn Assembly Room and the Baptistery) the only area of the original Temple which the Pioneer Saints -- including Dad's and my relatives -- were able to use during their time in Nauvoo as the rest of the Temple was unfinished. Because of its location in the restored Temple and its significance, only live sealings (normally only live marriage sealings) are usually done in that room. I was quite overcome when we entered that room because I had thought I would probably never even witness a sealing in that room, let alone participate in one! I had also only seen that room once before, and that was during the open house for the Temple! (My feelings about "sacred space" were definitely at work during that moment!)

Sister Nysetvold and the Sealer -- Brother Gary R. Wangsgard -- then invited us to sit down. Dave and Sherron sat on the couch across from the altar and the sealer's and witnesses' chairs, and I sat next to Sherron as Brother Wangsgard spoke with us. He talked to us in the same way sealers usually speak with couples waiting for live marriages of sealings.

I haven't felt as special in a Temple since the day Jim and I were sealed in the Logan Temple nearly 40 years ago. In fact, the Temple workers had treated all of us in the same manner Temple Workers usually treat those coming for their own personal ordinances! 

Brother Wangsgard then looked at the information on the Family Group sheet and asked me about my parents -- Dad first and then Mom. He mentioned their birth dates and where they had been born, etc., and we talked about the fact that Mom had been a "young" 14 years older than Dad and had been quite a "modern" woman for the time in which she lived. I even told them about the fact that we hadn't put Mom's birth date on her crypt or in her obituary and how it had nearly "killed" me to do that as a family historian! Sherron also told them that Dad had been a "young" 86 when he had died the year before, which I concurred with.

He asked me who I would like to have act as proxy for Mom and Dad and (I think) was surprised when I said I preferred to have Sherron and Dave be their proxies. He asked if I was sure that I didn't want to be proxy for my Mom and I replied that because Sherron had been like a third daughter to Dad and because Dad had said that Dave was the only person who might eventually be able to persuade him to become active in the Church, that this was my gift to them. He then asked me who I wanted to act as proxies in my sealing to my parents. (I had decided as soon as we walked into that particular sealing room and he had begun to speak to us in his warm, concerned, and caring voice, that I would go ahead with my sealing to Mom and Dad that afternoon instead of waiting to do the sealing at the Winter Quarter Temple, as I was sure that he would perform the ordinance with dignity and respect. I was also sure that, because of that, there would be a reverent, spiritual feeling that would attend the sealings that day, so I said that I would like Sherron and Dave to be the proxies for Mom and Dad and that I would be myself for that ordinance.) Sister Nysetvold then leaned over and asked me if I was sure that that was what I wanted to do as she remembered my saying that I was planning on doing my own sealing later in the Winter Quarter's Temple, and I assured her that I had changed my mind and wanted my sealing to occur then. Brother Wangsgard then suggested I make sure I had some tissues in my hand! (Such a wise man!)

Before we began the sealings, I told Sister Nysetvold and Brother Wangsgard how appropriate I thought it was (although I hadn't planned for the events to work out the way it did) that Mom's work had been done in the Salt Lake Temple, which her ancestors had helped to build, and that Dad's was being done in the Nauvoo Temple, which was a replica of the one his ancestors had built! Thus, the two "bookend" Temples had become joined in our family through Mom and Dad's Temple ordinances! At that time, I also told them where the Terry's, the Hewards and the Drapers, etc., had lived while they resided in Nauvoo. (Sister Nysetvold said she would remember them and me when she walked near the grain elevators and the Temple stone quarry, and I'm sure she will!)

Jim then moved over to sit in one of the witness chairs, and I took Sherron's place on the gold couch where I could watch both Sherron and Dave and Brother Wangsgard during the couple sealing. It was lovely to watch that sealing, which I had longed for for so many years and which I know my Mother had wished for for many years as well. It was really a spiritual and an emotional moment. I also really didn't feel left out as I watched their sealing from my seat on the gold couch as I thought to myself that I would have been watching it from heaven had it taken place before I was born. Thus, my position as an observer was entirely appropriate!

Next, Brother Wangsgard moved Sherron and Dave to the long ends of the altar and motioned me to the left side of the altar as it faces the sealer. He mentioned to Sherron and Dave (who had actually experienced such a sealing with their grown daughter Melanie years ago) that if there had been other siblings, we would clasp our hands over Sherron and Dave's clasped hands. As it was, I merely placed mine over theirs since Trice cannot be sealed to Mom and Dad at this time.

Brother Wangsgard then began that very short but very powerful and holy ordinance. I was completely overcome. It was one of the sweetest experiences of my life. He asked me once it was over how long I had waited to hear those words since I had just sobbed and sobbed once it was done, saying, "I've waited for so long. Oh, I've waited for so long." I told him that I had waited for that moment for over 40 years! I also told Jim on the way home that I no longer had "holy envy" for his sealing to his parents which was performed on April 11, 1998.

Hugs were then shared all around; and I got to hug Brother Wangsgard and Sister Nsyetvold as well. I also got to hug the other officiator who had helped us with all the ordinances we performed in the Temple that day. (He acted as the other witness for the Sealings.)

Before we left, Brother Wangsgard asked us if we were properly oriented in the Temple so we could tell where "our" sealing room was located once we left the Temple. I was pretty sure I knew where the room was, but I was mistaken. Once outside the Temple, I would have assumed that the room was in the right (southwest) corner of the Temple and that the right (southwest) corner window thus would have belonged to that room. The right corner window on the top level of the Temple actually belongs to the spiral staircase (which we had all admired on our way up to the sealing room and which we also admired on our way down from that room). As you look at the Temple from the statues of Joseph and Hyrum on the square across from the Temple, it is the second window from the right (southwest) corner, which belongs to that live Sealing room.

Remembering the staircase also reminds me of how Brother Wangsgard began his sealing room remarks to us. He asked us if we had noticed the spiral staircase on the way up --which we assured him we had done, and then he told us that there had been a youth group which had come to the Temple a short while ago. He said that a sister helping with that youth group had gathered the youth around the base of that staircase (the only spiral staircase in the restored Nauvoo Temple because of fire code restrictions -- the original Temple had one in each corner) and had asked them to look up to the place they needed to focus on coming to when they were ready to be married. He said that just as those youth had looked up toward the sealing level (and symbolically, toward the sealing blessings that we and those for whom we were proxy were about to experience), that we, and especially my Mom and Dad, would now be able to look down toward that first ordinance on our earthly spiritual journey (baptism) and have a better realization of the symbolic heights to which we had come. (He had been especially impressed with the wisdom and spirituality of this youth leader when she had expressed those thoughts to the youth she was chaperoning; and we thought she was extraordinarily inspired as well.)

We all then walked slowly down that spiral staircase to the dressing rooms where Sherron and I spoke a little while longer with Sister Nysetvold and had her write down her name for us. After she did that, we asked her what the origin of her surname was and she explained that it was Norwegian. I replied that when we moved to Minneapolis, I had expected to find a whole bunch of Clawsons and Rassmussens and Johnsons, etc., but was so surprised to find many different and difficult to pronounce and spell Norwegian and Swedish names. She remarked that the reason for that is that some of the Scandinavian names are patronymic -- like the Clawsons and the Larsens, etc. -- but that others, just like other European names -- come from places and occupations. I immediately saw the "vold" in her last name and guessed -- before she could continue -- and that that was the origin of her husband's surname -- the village of Nysetvold -- which she then confirmed. She laughed and said that she is actually of Italian ancestry, but that her husband's ancestry is Norwegian and Swedish, and that between them they had quite a mixture of nationalities! I asked her where Nysetvold was located and she said it was by Telemark, Norway.

(Jim had asked Brother Wangsgard -- while we were still in the sealing room -- if he were related to the Wangsgards in Salt Lake City -- since the first consulting firm Jim worked for in Salt Lake was named Nielsen, Maxwell and Wangsgard -- and Brother Wangsgard replied that there was only one Wangsgard family in Salt Lake.) 

Before we left the Temple, I told Sister Nysetvold how special she was to me, and that I would never forget her -- which I won't. She said she would also remember that day and her experience with us. She is a wonderful, kind, woman. I also told her that our son and daughter both live near the Woodlands. (It would be nice if Kimi could become acquainted with her when she returns to Texas!)

I asked Jim on the way home about his feelings of the day, and he said that he had experienced the strongest spiritual feelings during my sealing to Mom and Dad. He also then told me about the person he was proxy for and how fun and appropriate he thought it was that the man was a McGillicuddy from Ireland!

March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
Part 3 - Chrystine Reynolds

Sherron and Dave and Jim and I went to the Hotel Nauvoo for their dinner buffet, and while we were there I asked both Sherron and Dave about their feelings of the day. Sherron had said that she had had thoughts of Dad flying at her all during the endowment and had had to keep telling herself to remain focused so that Annie Gentry wouldn't be shortchanged during her endowment. Dave said his strongest feelings of the day came during the sealings.

I then told them how special it was that we had been sealed in that particular room, and explained why that was so. It made them even more grateful for that special gift to the four of us.

They then left to make sure they got a good seat at the senior missionary production, and we finished our meal. I noticed as I went to pay the bill that there was a print for sale which depicted the original Nauvoo Temple. It was a somewhat impressionistic rendition of the Temple which I had never seen before, but it was quite lovely, and so I bought one as a gift for Dave and Sherron and one for myself as well. I thought they would be nice mementos of our day together. I dropped Sherron and Dave's print to them at the Cultural Hall where they were waiting for "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" to begin, and they seemed thrilled to have it.

Then Jim and I drove home to Ames.

Addendum: I talked to Sherron a year or so later and asked her about her memories of that day. She said that, when she and Dave arrived at the Temple that day – prior to Jim and I arriving there – that the Temple President and Matron told them that what we were doing for Dad and Mom that day was the most important thing that they would be doing in the Temple that day and (considering our plane situation, etc.) that if they had to keep the Temple open all evening to accommodate us, that they would!

I hadn’t known anything about that, so that was quite overwhelming to me – especially as I know how committed Temple Presidencies and Matrons usually are to keeping on schedule in the Temples of the Lord!
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
Sherron was always welcoming with a beautiful smile I first met her when they came to visit with my husband who was returning to the church then later when they came to visit and home teach my very dear friend Julia. Though I wasn't a member of the the church yet they still spoke with me about baseball and the Daves love of the cardinals and me being a braves fan. They were the only people who attended my husband Randys baptism. Just a few short months later I too was baptized. I truly enjoyed getting to know Sherron for a short time but I am glad she has returned to our Heavenly Father until we meet again.
March 27, 2021
March 27, 2021
I met Sherron years before I knew anything about the church. She was selling pampered chef and did a show for my mom (Eula Keagle) I fell in love with her that night. I thought she was a very classy
Lady♥️She was so kind and we connected instantly. Didn’t see her for years. The Knox Stake was having some kind of production ( acting and singing) mom asked me to go. For whatever reason I did. Dave and Sherron asked me to open and close the curtain for the show. Reluctantly I did and I think that night may have started my eventual conversion. They were always so kind to me. Several years later I was baptized and from that point on Sherron and I were very good friends. She was always there for support or advice or just a special hug. She was my teacher,my mentor, me dear friend!! She was my escort in the temple, a day I will never forget. She and I served in young women together for many many years as well as youth Sunday school. I learned so much from her tremendous scriptural knowledge. I love her so very much. So thankful she is at peace. Love and prayers to your sweet family that she was so very proud of♥️
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Franki Lane:

When I think about Sherron I remember how classy and beautiful she was. She carried herself with confidence and grace.

I remember her teaching Sunday school and how creative she was with her lessons. She had the best lessons I’ve ever been privileged to listen to. The whole class was enthralled and we looked forward to it weekly. She used that same creativity in everything she did. That was a beautiful talent she had.

Every month we would go out to eat at China King. We loved their egg rolls. When I was sick she would bring me egg rolls to help me feel better. And they always did.

There was a very hard period in my life and without Sherron I’m not sure I could have made it through. She knew my struggles and would send me quotes and spiritual things to read to uplift me. She called me just to talk and befriended me like no other. She was kind and genuine.

She would tell me stories of her past. How she met Dan Rather, saw the Pope, and of all her many travels. I loved listening to all the adventures she had. She was a remarkable woman and had so many amazing things happen in her life.

She and Dave would call every year on my birthday and sing Happy Birthday to me. They never missed a year. She told me they would sing songs in the car as they drove down the road together.

I watched her cater wedding receptions and her talent for making food and decorating was unrivaled. She taught me how to do so much, but never shared her recipes. Haha, I always begged for them too!

She was an amazing woman who wore many hats in this life. I knew her as my friend and someone I wanted to be like. Her love of the gospel and Heavenly Father was strong and anyone that knew her could feel that. I am very thankful for the years of friendship I had with her. She was a loyal, loving person and I will miss her dearly.
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Angela McCoy:

Hi Melanie,

I've been thinking a lot about your parents this last week and remembering some special moments with them that I wanted to share with you. These are in no particular order, just random thoughts.....

I asked Mike what he remembered most about them and if he had any special memories he wanted to share. The first thing he said, as he smiled, was BIRTHDAYS!!! Your mom and dad never forgot any of our birthdays, EVER. They always called (usually leaving a message on the answering machine - which was great because that way we could replay it!) and sang the Happy Birthday song, which of course, they did with a flourish, and I'm sure, a twinkle in their eyes.....Your dad had that rich tone to his voice and your mom always had a lilting sound to hers, as I'm sure you remember well too.  Mike recalled one time, he was working and actually driving the ambulance on an emergency call, running the sirens and lights, when they called his cell and sang Happy Birthday to him as he was responding to whatever the situation was at that time...! He said they were undeterred and sang the song all the way through even though the siren drowned out most of it, but it was the thought that mattered!! Ha!

And during the twenty-some years that they were our "Home Teachers", they always brought a little gift, beautifully wrapped and presented, to whoever's birthday was that particular month, along with a special dessert for us to share during the spiritual message they were delivering to us. And they always had prepared a great message and thought to share with us. 

My dad had worked with Sherron previously through a Stake Calling (she was in the YW Presidency and he was in the YM's) and he had reached out to her and Dave when we moved to Crossville and asked that they kind of "look after us". Well, let me tell you, they took that to heart! There were a few times over those years that whoever the current Bishopric was, they would try to change the Home Teaching assignments, and Sherron wouldn't let them!!  My dad has shared a few memories as well, telling me about a time when they took the youth rappelling, and he said that Sherron was one of the first to try it! He said she was always a lot of fun! 

There were a few times when they invited us to attend different shows at the Playhouse, which we thoroughly enjoyed. They always tried to include us, especially Mike, during any special church events, and made sure that he felt welcomed. I remember when they were instrumental in getting Marvin Goldstein to come to our ward to speak and play the piano, then afterwards there was a nice dinner. We were invited to sit at their table, along with Brother Goldstein. That was a special evening. 

I remember when they shared their experience with Sherron's surgery, where Dave gave her a special blessing, specifically asking that there be minimal or no bleeding (which was unheard of during this particular kind of surgery) and then there was NO bleeding! Sherron had said beforehand that she just couldn't believe that he would ask for such a thing, and yet they all witnessed a miracle.

Sherron was there with me when I went through the Atlanta Temple for the first time to receive my endowment. And I found out later that Dave had gone out to the house to visit with Mike while we were gone, and talked with him in a little more depth (within the guidelines) about the experience and some of the temple clothing and what to expect. 

Dave was always so positive and upbeat anytime he spoke with us, and it had a way of rubbing off! We wanted to be better and more positive too, because he just seemed so darned happy most of the time! And Sherron was always so energetic and full of great ideas, she was just a joy to be around. She always added her special touch to everything. There was just an energy about them that resonated. Dave's last testimony, almost five years ago now, was beautiful. I wish I could remember more specifics from it, but I just know that it was a spirit filled moment. He usually would sing when he bore his testimony, and it just made it that much more special! He had a great voice and he loved to share a song. That was always very powerful and usually brought a tear to my eyes. 

Over the years, they became much more than our assigned Home Teachers.....they became our friends. They were the true essence of "Ministering" as the Savior would. They encouraged, uplifted, and became involved in our lives. They reached out to us at every opportunity and stayed close. They watched our boys grow up, and encouraged them as well. I know that they affected each of us in positive ways, and I for one, can't wait to see them again! 

I hope these memories bring a smile to your heart. I know they do to mine. 

I will forward any other responses that I get from the others I've reached out to. Probably with a few gentle reminders along the way....lol

Love and hugs to you all,

Angela
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Cynthia Engelke:

Dear Melanie,

I was able to virtually attend our Sherron’s memorial funeral service. Through those sharing stories of wonderful Sherron I realized I hardly knew her background. Modeling photo shoots and television, teaching and nurturing, traveling and raising very bright daughters. Hers was a life well lived and I was reminded of her passions.

As Art Circle President she always went above and beyond. The tables were always decorated to reflect the season or nearby holiday. One year for Christmas she created a take home favor, little candy mice which included a cherry that she hand dipped in chocolate and were perfection. Who has that kind of time? No one, not even your mother, but she made time for what was important for people she loved. Your mom had passion for people.

We had lunch only once where it was just the two of us. Sherron didn’t talk of the past but all conversation was forward facing toward the future. Her hopes for politics, the fate of the country, what the future would look like for her grandchildren and so much candor. Deep love for you, your husband and children.

We joked about being the first resident of Fairfield Glade. Sometimes she’d charm me with tales of the early days. . .  She grew into Fairfield Glade during her 40 years and never lost her passion along the way.

I will remember her with love and that she was my passionate friend. 

Cynthia
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Margo Brown:

Sherron and Dave DeVos were friends of my mother’s from out west. When I was talking to mom one day about Dave & Sherron from Crossville she said “Oh yes , I know them from some of our mission work”. I don’t know if they were friends from Salt Lake, or St. George, but mom sure did love them!

They were her visiting teachers, and she was one of the last friends they visited while doing that together. They were her friends and comfort during the last part of her earthly existence and she and I both appreciate that.

Sherron was a member of the board of directors at the Art Circle Public Library (in Crossville, Tennessee) where I still work to this day, and she was always so nice and kind. She worked hard to try and get our new library built and was also my friend as a member of the Art Circle, a group of ladies who started meeting in each others homes in 1898, sharing their love of the arts and reading and who ended up building the first Art Circle Public Library through local donations and money they raised themselves. Sherron served as president quite a few times and also spent a lot of time in the library with us all.

She will and has been greatly missed during her illness. I know she is happy to be at home with Heavenly Father and her beloved Dave. We’ll miss you Sherron!
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Stephen Wade:

Sherron, my stylish, older cousin set the standard for beauty, charm and personality for me, an admiring teenager.

As we aged, I came to admire and appreciate her strength and depth.
Sherron appeared to always align her life with lofty ideals and Christ like values. 

Sherron, even in times of difficulty, made choices that showed her allegiance to Gospel principles and all things eternal.

Sherron's daughters, grandchildren and David were her life.

I will forever remember and appreciate her wonderful stories, the twinkle in her eyes, along with her infectious laugh.

Time spent with Sherron was always time well spent!
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Bryce Wade:

Reflections on Sherron

About 18 years ago I was at the lowest point in my life. Depressed and in the midst of Uncertainty, I was searching for practical advice and direction. After 26 years of marriage and 10 children, divorce was not something I had planned on. Sharron soon reached out and consoled me by phone. And later, she traveled from Tennessee to visit with me in person.

Having successfully navigated through an earlier troubled marriage, Sharron understood what I was feeling. Her timely words of counsel and encouragement lifted my spirits and gave me a new sense of hope for the future. Her compassion and lovingkindness were an answer to my prayers, for which I am most grateful.
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Michael Watson:

In Memory of A Special Lady
Sherron Ann Watson DeVos

Sherron was my dear cousin and close friend. As a young girl she came to our small town from the “big city”. Sherron and her sister Barbara, would accompany their parents to the country ancestral home of her father William Elliott Watson, in Spring City, Utah.

Her first words upon arrival at the home of Uncle Frank and Aunt Genniel Watson, were “are the horses here and can I ride one of them?” My father would always accommodate Sherron and her sister by going to the barnyard, saddle the horse, then carefully lead them around the yard. There were other times when the family would visit my father, who was herding sheep on the mountain and again the question would be asked, “can we ride the horses?” Dad would always have the gentlest one available and Sherron and Barbara loved their time spent riding.

Sherron and her family are faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lived her religion by precept and example. Her support of the teachings of the Church and its leaders were paramount in everything she did. She will be remembered as a loving servant of our Father in Heaven.
We love you Sherron and look forward to being together again in the Eternities.

Michael Watson
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Brian Ranck:

Sherrie has had a great impact on our family.  There are so many wonderful memories we have of her, and it was so hard to narrow it down, but here are just a few to share as we honor her today. 

Whenever she was in town she always proved she was the "fun" aunt. One time when she was coming into town, she arranged to have a water fight at my house for all the Utah kids which consisted of my siblings and Scott's kids.  she showed up at our house in her shower cap, and had a big bucket of water balloons and water guns.. of course she was the main target that the kids literally drenched.... and she was a good sport. 

She always went the extra mile to make the perfect memory. When my Mom and Dad got engaged, Sherri wasn't gonna be able to be there for the shower, so she arranged to take them to lunch at a nice restaurant. She found out that their wedding colors were purple, and went early and decorated the table with purple flowers with petals spread all over the table with a beautifully decorated gift box and card that matched the flowers all tying together, along with a beautiful quote on marriage. 

She always valued family and traditions.... One time at our traditional Christmas Eve family gathering, we noticed that Sherri was missing. We later found out that she was out trying to find a store that was open so she could get candy canes for our traditional hot chocolate that we would have for Christmas brunch, cause it was always a tradition that we stirred our hot chocolate with candy canes. 

She always gave a lot of thought into picking just the right card... in fact we heard that she would spend many hours, going from store to store just to make sure the right card was picked out for the right person. 

When we think of Sherrie we think of a woman of Christ... always faithful, always serving, always loving. We are forever grateful for her example, and look forward to seeing her again someday. 
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Scott Ranck:

Here are a couple of my favorite memories of my Aunt Sherrie. 

I loved our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions when Dave, Sherrie and Melanie would come to Utah and Grandma and Grandpa Watson's. I remember the gatherings on Christmas eve enjoying homemade DeVos cookies, Cheese Fondue, singing carols around the piano, Christmas Eve Pajamas and reading from Luke 2. As good as that food was and as fun as Christmas Eve was, I remember the delicious homemade cinnamon rolls, rice with gravy and Hot Chocolate my Aunt Sherrie made for us every Christmas morning. 

I also remember with great fondness our trips to Tennessee, especially me riding Dirk (Sherrie and Dave's German Shepherd dog), literally yelling at Dirk for barking at visitors, playing with Flossie (Sherrie and Dave's American Eskimo dog), going to Gatlinburg, getting a Goo Goo Cluster at the Fairfield Glade market, going to the World's Fair, telling "once there was a little boy" stories sitting on the piano bench and just having a great overall time! 

Thanks for being the best Aunt a boy could ask for! 

I love you Aunt Sherrie!

Scott
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
A message from Prisca Ranck:

Aunt Sherrie loved to be in the kitchen. She seemed to know how to make and bake everything. One of my fondest memories was when she took the time to teach me how to "properly" make caramelized candied almonds. After many of my failed attempts, she finally came to my rescue. I am now prepared to teach the next generation. 

Additional note from Prisca:  . . . I am grateful for family in my life that have helped me even with the littlest of things, like caramelized almonds. . . . Aunt Sherrie, was always serving. I am so grateful for angelic examples of charity and love.
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
Barbara,

This obituary caught my eye immediately. Though in Arizona, I read the Deseret News almost daily. Seeing your beautiful sister brought back so many memories. The obituary on the Larkin website was inspiring to read. Sherron was a very accomplished woman.

You will undoubtedly miss her terribly, but a lifetime of memories will always be yours.

Barbara, I hope you are well. Obviously reading about Sherron caused me to remember our wonderful days at the U of U and our time in Angel Flight together.  Those were great days!

Please feel free to contact me through my email address. I would love to visit with you.

Barbara Benson
March 17, 2021
March 17, 2021
We always enjoyed visiting with Sherron and Dave when they were in town and they, with her Mom and Dad, included us in a lot of their special events, especially when we lived in Salt Lake.
Her passing leaves a big space in the family tree but we know it was a great reunion with her husband, parents and other family members! 

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
A message from Carolyn Mildenhall:

Memories of Sherron

I don't remember the first time I met Sherron, but I do remember loving to be with her! It was always nice to see and visit with her whenever she came to visit Melanie and Mike. Melanie would often have gatherings that included Sherron when she was in town. (I'm thinking particularly of the Halloween Witch's Teas!) Sherron was always so fun and jumped right in - never hesitating, never shy; but warm and personable. She ALWAYS had a smile on her face! She was always interested in my life and wanted to hear about my family.

I remember going to lunch with her at Mirko's one day. I can't ever remember the occasion - perhaps she was staying with the children while Melanie and Mike were out of town??? Anyway, we had a delightful time and I learned so much about her life and past experiences. I remember being fascinated with stories she told of adventures in traveling.

Sherron loved her family! She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to be with them. I remember visiting her in Merrill gardens and she would tell me about each of her family members and how she loved them. In fact, she loved everyone! She was so appreciative of any kindness shown her. At the end of our visits, she never failed to say, "Love you!!" What a gentle, tender soul! I can see why Melanie is so thoughtful and loving: she was shown the perfect example by her mother, Sherron!

Sherron loved music! It was always fun to sing with her - to recall the old favorites that she knew and loved! I'm so glad she was included in the Molinaro Family's rendition of "Mele Kalekemaka"! I treasure that performance!

I'm blessed to have known Sherron DeVos! She's shown me a great example of loving, of being gracious, kind, and gentle. And what a great day it will be to see her again - the Sherron we know and love!
May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
A message from Tami Thorpe:

Memories of Sherron DeVos

When I sat with Sherron before she went into a care facility, our conversation was centered around her family. She especially loved talking about her husband and how she loved him! She talked about her daughters and her grandchildren. At that point, she had wonderful memories of her grandchildren. It was evident that family was the center of her life.

After she went into the care center, I spent time with her on a few occasions. One time we watched a Christmas program that a group came in and performed. She loved the singing and I could see her eyes light up as they sang Christmas songs.

Her memory became much worse as time went on, but she loved to beat me in a game we would play. Whether she or I won, Sherron always considered that she was the winner. She knew the words to some of the old songs much better than I did. 

. . . Melanie was such a loving daughter through these very difficult years and I admired her so much for the love she had for her mother.
May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
A message Beth Cunningham:

Dear Melanie and Mike,

I am so sorry for your loss, but I know you are delighted for her (as she had suffered from Alzheimer's).

Thank you so much for sending me the service to my phone. I read your family's words and looked at the pictures and it brought back some memories that I thought I would share with you.

Your dad was my realtor when I put our home and property up for sale in Crossville (Tennessee) in October 2014. My husband, Bob, had passed in September of 2012. Even though it was a specialty property, Dave did not forget me, and would contact me every couple of weeks and give me an update. He did show it a few times. One day I dropped in to see him at the office, and he witnessed to me how he came to join the Mormon Church. Your mother was very ill and he decided to pray and he promised if she lived, he would join the Faith. Well, she lived and that took care of his resistance. Two days after he witnessed to me, he had a heart attack and passed away. I am so grateful for his sharing and the time with him.

You mom and dad were an amazing team - that you are well aware of. I remember when he was a Bishop at the Crossville Church and they were both busy taking care of whatever needs there were. And going to Knoxville to can produce monthly (for those in need).  . . . Sherron was on the Library Board, too. She told me about her previous travels in Europe; always very interesting to hear. Sherron was always careful with choosing her words, to make sure they were clean and clear with no negativity in them.  No gossip. Something to aspire to! One Christmas Sherron gave me a gift certificate to a restaurant in Fairfield Glade, and the 4 of us had a meal together.

She loved her family and grandchildren, and she enjoyed being such a part of their lives. She and Dave were always driving to Atlanta to visit you and your children. She also spoke of Anna often, and her designing of purses and shoes, and designing the interior of hotels in Atlanta and Singapore. Anna was, and probably still is a creative and gifted designer.

These are a few tidbits I wanted to share.

In love and sympathy,

Beth Cunningham
Her Life

Obituary

March 19, 2021
Sherron Ann Watson DeVos

Sherron Ann Watson DeVos, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend peacefully passed to eternity’s joy on Friday, March 5, 2021.She died in Marietta, Georgia following a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born December 27, 1937 in Provo, Utah to William Elliott Watson and Maurine Merle Seely Watson. Sherron married David Francis DeVos, and their beautiful marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple.

She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through the years she attended the Princeton and Kenwood wards in SLC, Utah, the St. Croix, US Virgin Islands’ branch and the Crossville, branch and then ward in Crossville, Tennessee. Among her callings at church were Relief Society President, Young Women’s President, seminary teacher and gospel doctrine teacher, as well as numerous stake callings. Her life was dedicated to the Lord and service to Him and all people.

Love of family was central to her life. She cherished her wonderful husband, Dave, her daughters Melanie and Annalissa, and the family who adored her and seek to emulate her example. She was ever dedicated to family, friends, neighbors, and community as she went about serving quietly and consistently.

Sherron’s life was brimming with activities through her years at Utah’s Emmerson Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, East High School, and the University of Utah where she earned her BS in education and innovatively taught 3rd and 4th grades. Later she was Personnel Director for the Foreign Study League where she coordinated staff throughout European college campuses.

Other passions included being a temple worker, and leadership work in her adopted hometown of Crossville/Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, where she helped spearhead an amazing library and technology hub, worked with the Art Circle Library service group (where she served three terms as president), the Regional Library Board, the Fairfield Glade Ladies Club as president, and volunteered at the Cumberland County Playhouse.

Of herself, Sherron once said: “You could describe me as striving to be sensitive to the feelings of others, enjoying opportunities to serve, loving, optimistic, fun-loving, but practical and hard-working. I like spending time with my husband, my kids, my grandkids, and special friends! I also like chocolate, sunshine, moonbeams, the sound of crickets and ocean waves, the Utah mountains and Tennessee woods, fireflies blinking on a dark summer night, dogs, red lady bugs, good food, vacations, feel-good music, time spent with my aunts, uncles, and cousins, travelling, soft-fuzzy socks, and being warm. I especially love my Savior and am so thankful for His blessings.”

Remember Sherron for her goodness, service, radiant smile, beauty inside and out, giving heart, listening ear, grace, strong leadership, helping hands and for her testimony of Christ’s Atonement and resurrection, and her love of God and country. She was, quite simply, the best of the best, and leaves an amazing legacy of triumph through struggles, faith, testimony and giving.

She is survived by her daughters, Melanie Ann DeVos Molinaro, Annalissa DeVos, a son-in-law, Michael Victor Molinaro; grandchildren Ashley Molinaro Bernal, Christopher Louis Bernal, Justin Michael Molinaro, Elise Franks Molinaro, Tyler DeVos Molinaro and Jessica Cook Molinaro.; great-grandchildren Jackson Christopher Bernal, Raegan Kate Bernal, Carter Justin Molinaro, Riley Madison Bernal, and Cameron David Molinaro; sister Barbara Gail Ranck.

Services were held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment was at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

Please visit sherron-devos.forevermissed.com to leave a message. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Recent stories

Eulogy by Melanie DeVos Molinaro - As delivered at Sherron's funeral

March 25, 2021
“I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13) was Mom’s favorite and sustaining scripture and oh, how she did things - drawing upon Him throughout her life.  Mom’s life was filled with testimony, service, love of God and family, brimming with myriads of experiences (painful and joyous).  She used her many talents to create, lift others, inspire, and foster adventure for friends and family alike. 
All those who knew her felt the warmth of her radiant smile and grace, and were touched by her helping hands and generous heart. 
I’m delighted to share more than you many know about this truly amazing woman’s life.  Much of what I’ll relate comes in her own words from chats we enjoyed a few years ago.  Mom talked and I typed. 
Windows . . . Mom always loved windows.  She serenely gazed out of our home’s picture window in early-morning Utah hours at her favorite mountain, the majestic Mt. Olympus.  And she thrilled at the view from their window wall as it looked out over the beautiful woods in her beloved Tennessee.  But she didn’t just gaze out of windows, she opened windows for others, she let the Lord’s light shine through the windows of her life and bless others. 
Let’s look through some of the windows of her life to learn more . . .  
The Window of Her Childhood: 
Born December 27, 1937 in Provo, Utah – almost in a snowbank as her mom and dad liked to recount, Sherron Ann Watson grew up in Provo and later Salt Lake City, Utah with her parents and dear sister, Barbara.  They were very close-knit family and shared a happy life. 
Her childhood was full of enjoyment of school, and church primary, cousin capers, playing baseball with the boys, picnics, parades, chores, camping and travelling by train.   She liked playing jacks and dolls, jumping rope, doing hopscotch, croquet and playing board games at home and at school she favored physics, children’s literature, community problems, music, typing and gym (because she was athletic).  She enjoyed riding horses, too! 
From childhood, neighborhood, as well as cousin & aunt and uncle water fights, baseball games, practical jokes throughout her life to creating adventures for her grandchildren, Mom was always full of fun with a merry laugh and often a hint of mischief. 
She always had lots of friends all through her life, starting early and then from Emerson Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, East High School and the University of Utah and to Crossville, Tennessee, St. Croix, Virgin Islands and Marietta, Georgia. 
Mom’s Activity Window: 
Favorite scripture heroes included the Savior, and in the Book of Mormon:  Nephi, Aaron, Helaman, Abinadi, King Benjamin and Enos.  Piano and xylophone were her chosen instruments, and she loved all kinds of music.  Show tunes became a special favorite, along with hymns.  Mom was an ROTC drill team member.  She especially liked roses, Spring and Summer, her beautiful wooded, Tennessee view, and the colors green, purple and peach. 
As an adult, softball, snow skiing, tennis, bowling and hiking caught her interest.  Mom loved to craft and to dance with my Dad!  She so enjoyed her time in the mountains and serene Utah deserts.  She liked reading, cooking and baking – many of our very favorite family recipes come from her.  Dinner for years was an event, as she delighted in creating themed meals and beautiful (as well as delicious) presentations.  She elevated the every day!  I baked right alongside her from a young age as we adventurously tackled everything from basics to home made bagels and Oreos to hand dipped fondants and chocolate. 
Her Professional Window: 
Through her life, her jobs and professions included:  as a kid: babysitting, housecleaning, as a young woman: modeling (runway and TV), waitress, clerk, secretary, as an adult: educator, substitute teacher, sales person for a dress shop, personnel director for the Foreign Study League where her job was to hire between 1,200-1,500 principals, assistant principals, teachers and nurses for their overseas campuses throughout Europe and then travel to each campus during the summer to ensure quality work.  She said she also worked closely with the Ministers of Education for each of these countries and because she was a woman, she was really treated like royalty.  Some of the highlights she recalled were having an audience with the Pope, meeting with President Charles de Gaulle and his cabinet, and being given the key to the city in Itter, Austria).  One summer when I was 10 years old, I was able to travel with her; it was magical! 
Years later she was coordinator for U.S., 6-week, home-stay student programs for Spanish and Japanese student groups, Pampered Chef consultant, and Encore Event company owner (where she catered and hosted weddings, receptions, teas, college luncheons and professional events).  When we lived in California for a short time when I was little, she also worked at the Rand Corporation.  They were a company that worked on top secret things, including putting men in space and on military ops.  She had to have government clearance for that! 
Mom weathered and grew through many trials in her life, but she came through them stronger and more tender, with faith in God deepened and with an eye to assist others through their struggles.  Through her window of sorrow into strength, she reached out to help others through their trials. 
When I hear the quotes: 
“And she will rise.  And she will grow.  And she will bloom, because her roots are deep in God’s love” (Lauren Fortenberry) and “Choose joy where you can” and “Because I Have Been Given Much,” I see my Mom. 
A beloved educator, Mom’s imaginative and inventive classroom bubbled with excitement from students anxious to be in her class – she had a reputation as THE best teacher.  From her childhood, she’d wanted to be an educator.  She said some of her favorite teaching memories through the years where when she taught the kids about pioneers and they made bread together, or they’d stop what they were doing to write poems and stories about a mouse they saw scurrying in their classroom.  “I liked inviting special guests to come tell their stories and cultures.  Then I’d prepare food typical of that place for the kids to try and make crafts from that area, like tapa cloth.  I also took classes on field trips to the desert to see when Johnson’s Army was pushed.  Then we’d visit one of the small log homes of a man who was a witness to what happened, and he’d share his story.  Sometimes we’d visit with an old Ute Native American and he’d recount tales of his life on the plains.  Other times we’d go see the hawk’s nests in the desert and we’d observe the baby hawks in their home.  We planted a garden on Arbor day and kept it.  I’d catch animals like lizards and a tarantula for my classroom.  We created planets with paper mache and paint.  I read to them always.  We had a marvelous time learning everything we could!” 
Mom’s Marriage Window: 
As for my parents, they always said they met and got starry-eyed for each other over ham loaf at a dinner with common friends when they worked at the Foreign Study League.  Theirs evolved into an enviable love story with lots of unity, teasing, teamwork, highs and lows, overcoming, giving and a devotion to one another and the Lord.  She was definitely the love of his life, and he was hers!  There was lots of singing and laughter in our home.  They held hands everywhere they went and, as my Mom began needing extra TLC in the beginnings of her illness, my Dad was ever more attentive.  When he passed away, the hole in our hearts was searing.  I count it a blessing that in that stage of her Alzheimer’s, she was somewhat foggy on her circumstances, because, even with her tremendous faith, I know her heart would have been completely broken to have him gone otherwise.   She always talked of him to so many, glowing things she did recall, and how she missed him.  Their home’s motto was “Love Lives Here!”  She said that often.  
After Dad’s passing, she joined Mike and I for marvelous times in London for a few months and then we moved back home to Georgia where she stayed with us for two years until her decline and safety required an entire team of helpers.  We still shared daily constant time and outings together until her Alzheimer’s disease progressed to the point she had to remain in residence.  Then we went there.  COVID meant total lock down, but I was able to visit by Face Time each week when the Hospice nurse cared for her.  A struggle in every way to be sure.  She fought valiantly.  She passed peacefully.  We are grateful! 
Her Mom Window: 
And as for she and I, as her daughter . . . How do you separate a golden thread woven through the very fabric of your every days, your total life, in fact, to describe it?  Such a thread adds to the color, pattern, design and strength of the life tapestry.  She was a golden thread throughout my life.  She will continue to be as her legacy lives on through all she did and was and is – all that stays with me because we are part of each other. 
To me, she was the best of Moms – and my treasured friend.  She gave me the gift of life and then a valiant example to follow.  Opening innumerable windows on my world, she taught me of life, living, giving, of Christ and how to follow Him.  How to do my best, to devote myself to family and service.  How and where to seek and find happiness and millions of other big and little things.   Her sacrifices, guidance, example, humor, love, teachings and support throughout my entire life have been unfailing.  I am so humbly blessed to be her daughter, to have learned at her knee and then by her side.  I’ve been encouraged, mentored, corrected, guided and cheered on through all my life by her.   
Mom’s tender heart, our grand adventures, our quiet times, our differences and our similarities, as well as our heartaches and common joys, gave us an unbreakable, unshakeable bond.  We shared it all.  She was one of the greatest imaginable blessings in my world – every day.  I am honored, and ever grateful to be her daughter.   
She was also mom to three foster daughters over the years and opened many windows on the world to them with a heart full of love, guidance and giving. 
Her Family Window: 
Mom served her family with unwavering devotion.  Her tender care of her parents, and the countless, selfless ways she tended them, especially throughout their final years was awe-inspiring.  Mom was also truly always there for my Dad, Anna and me.  I’ll never forget her joy on being sealed to my Dad, and then sealed as a family in the temple after her waiting, living to earn, and pleading with Heaven for that blessing for years.   
Mom was vibrant and present.  She trekked to wherever Mike, the kids and I were living to join in celebrations as well as everyday stuff and lend helping hands.  She was a doting and involved Grandma to Ashley, Justin and Tyler; they adored her.  Their treasure walks, ball games, tea parties, trips, and adventures, as well as her smiling face and cheering call were all treats and support, they relished!  Adventures at Mom and Dad’s stomping grounds in Tennessee were brimming with plays, exploring, blackberry picking, pontoon lazing, mini golf, crafting, cooking, gardening, firefly nights and always warm cookies and ice cream. 
After we moved to Evans, Georgia and Nashville, Tennessee and then Atlanta, Georgia, it was even easier to get together.  Oh, the times and fun we had through those years!  We enjoyed just daily life happenings and the milestones we had, too – baptisms, ordinations, graduations, piano and dance recitals, Eagle courts, mission calls, temple marriages, baby births!  
When our kids’ wonderful spouses:  Chris, Elise and Jessica and then their children:  Jackson, Raegan, Riley, Carter and Cameron blessed our family, her joy overflowed.  They have been both blessed by her love and have shown her great love for which I am so grateful!  Several of my friends through the years have told me that by her exuberant and heart-full example, she taught them how to be grandmothers.  We try to emulate her - the best.  
Mom’s Reflective Window: 
When I asked her to describe herself a few years ago, she said: “You could describe me as sensitive to the feelings of others, enjoying opportunities to serve, loving, optimistic, fun-loving, but very practical and hard-working.  I’m just me!”  
“I like spending time with my husband, my kids, my grandkids and special friends!  I also like chocolate, sunshine, moonbeams, the sounds of crickets and ocean waves, fireflies blinking on a dark summer night, dogs, red lady bugs, good food, vacations, plays, feel-good music, time spent with my aunts, uncles and cousins, travelling, soft and fuzzy socks and being warm!” 
In her words: “Everybody likes to be happy.  It’s one of the goals in life - to live a happy, productive life.  You’re only as happy as you make up your mind to be.  I think you create your own happiness by getting out of bed in the morning, grateful to meet the day, having a loving family, and giving service to others.”   
Mom’s Spiritual Window: 
President Russell M. Nelson has said: “The greatest compliment that can be earned her in this life is to be known as a covenant keeper.”   Mom was indeed that! 
Being an Atlanta temple worker with my dad was a huge blessing and highlight for her and helped her open spiritual windows for others.  They’d make the 4-hour drive trip each way at least once a month to serve as ordinance workers for 2 days at a time and relished the opportunity and calling. 
Lots of callings blessed her life through the years, including visiting teacher (to get to all her sisters was sometimes a 100-mile round trip), Relief Society President, Young women’s president, seminary teacher, nursery leader.  Teaching Gospel Doctrine was a particular favorite calling.  Her dedication and preparation were epic!  She helped grow our tiny church branch from a rented, cinderblock building with no heat, air or running water, where at any given Sunday each of the few of us there were called upon to say several prayers, conduct the music, give at least 2 talks and maybe 3 lessons a month, and raise money for a phased building project which happened.  Sometimes she had as many as 7 callings at a time!  Now, through the Lord’s blessings and every stalwart member’s dedicated efforts, there is a wonderful, burgeoning ward in Crossville.   
She also loved her service and associations in our 13-unit, Knoxville Stake as a Stake Young Woman’s President, Relief Society Homemaking Leader, 1st Counselor and 2nd Counselor and as the Stake Single Adult Leader.  Our stake building was an hour’s travel by car and in a different time zone than the Cumberland Plateau where we lived, so attending meetings and travelling to units meant getting up at 3 a.m. multiple times a month and traveling hours each time for her.  She didn’t complain.  She went and did! 
St. Croix’s tiny branch was also blessed with Mom and Dad’s pioneer-working efforts as they helped bolster and instruct their new-to-the-gospel, island brothers and sisters in the tropical 3 years they lived in the Virgin Islands.   
Whether it was active member missionary efforts, picking potatoes at the branch welfare or Bishop’s storehouse farm, teaching, mentoring, speaking, hosting a church booth to talk to others at the county fairs, hosting and financially supporting missionaries, or lending a listening ear to others in need, Mom and Dad were actively engaged in the gospel efforts everywhere they were.  Mom truly had a service-loving heart and Christ like love for others. 
Their ward family dearly cherished my parents.  After alerting several sweet friends there of Mom’s passing, I received this note from one of them following fast and testimony meeting: 
“Just thought you’d like to know that a lot of the testimonies today centered around your parents and their strong testimonies and the powerful influences they had on various members in our ward and stake.  They are truly not forgotten and will live on through the experiences they shared with the rest of us.  I can’t wait to see them again one day, as they truly made a difference in our lives!” (Angela McCoy) 
One dear cousin aptly put it: “She will be remembered as a loving servant of our Father in Heaven.”  Another dear family member summed things up with “She was simply the best of the best!” 
Her Community Window: 
Although missing Utah and friends and family here, Sherron dove in full tilt to bloom where she was planted upon our move to Fairfield Resort adjacent to Crossville, Tennessee, where she and my Dad lived for over 42 years.  Her contributions are many and varied: 
She was instrumental in working together with the group of people who made the several-years-long dream and the process of building of a 35,000 square foot, phenomenal new library in her Crossville, Tennessee community a reality.   Complete with advanced technology stations, a spacious, special children’s section including a puppet theater, computers and a playful animal carousel, conference rooms, reading nook sections, and vast literary offerings and guest lecturers, it became known as the community living room and is in constant use for learning, meeting and gatherings of all kinds.  They offer a vast collection of volumes as well as free concerts, classes from crafting to genealogy, children’s story time, free reading programs.  Mom loved the talented people who worked together to give this gift to all who live there and surrounding areas. 
Art Circle ladies service group in Crossville called her president 3 different times over the years as together they served the library and community through fund raisers, book clubs and cultural events, book and author luncheons and dial-a-story projects and they enriched lives through new experiences - many at her direction.  She was also a Regional Library Board member & Vice-President, and Art Circle Public Library Foundation Board member and on the Cumberland County Library Board where she also served as a President. 
Back-stage work and even an on-stage role in the illustrious and well-known Cumberland County Playhouse plays were a treat, as we played together in some of those theatrical productions. 
Mom volunteered everywhere, at my schools, as a Pink Lady at University of Utah Hospital working with surgical patients, as the Fairfield Glad Ladies’ Service Club president and in the libraries.  She was an angel ministering to ward and community members, quietly and consistently. 
She mused:  The greatest happiness in life is spending time with your family and doing things together.  Serving in the church and the community is important; so is having good friends.  Serve others and lift them up.  All those things combined, help to make a joyful life!” 
A phenomenal woman, her skills, talents, rare gifts, and heart were well shared as she opened the window of her life and shared freely with others.   
And Her Final Earthly Window: 
As Alzheimer’s viciously stole her away these last five years – a piece at a time, we have faced this giant together through the anguish, tumult and pain.  The Lord was with us and the blessings were many, the tears were rivers and the heartbreak real.  It stretched us in ways we could not imagine to brinks we teetered on, but He was there and I am so thankful for the blessing of being able to serve her and love her, to battle together, sometimes broken, but determined until she was mercifully called home to our Father in Heaven.  She fought valiantly.  She passed peacefully.     
I love the perspective a quote I read reminds us of: “Could the thorny crown we carry right now be the one that prepares us to live with Him again – the crown fit for kings and queens?” I know she has been received to her Father, and has earned that crown. 
I’m also ever appreciative of my amazing husband, Mike, and his selfless service to her and to ALL my kids and kids in law and grandchildren, other dear family and friends whose support buoyed me up and whose goodness and visits helped my Mom.   
A dear friend recounted a time she and Mom shared just last year.  Mom was still able to speak then, but was not remembering anyone or much else.  As our friend visited her, as she did often, Mom inquired where she knew her from.  My friend responded that it was from church.  Mom’s face brightened and she exclaimed:  “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”?  “Yes!”  “Oh,” Mom delightedly responded:  “I’m a member of that Church!  And I love my Savior!”  She beamed.  She didn’t remember very much, but she knew that to her core – she loved her Savior.  She knew Him.  Such a telling example of her essence and faith. 
As evidenced here, you can see that Sherron lived a rich, full life, abounding in love of family, friends and the Lord.  She was a gift to each of us from Him.  She will continue to be such through the work she will do now beyond the veil and the tremendous and vibrant legacy she gave to each of us whose lives were touched by hers – that of faith, testimony, service, using our talents, blessing others.  Mom was and is a beautiful gift to us – I am forever molded, changed and thankful for her.   
Mom, I know you heard “Well done thou good and faithful servant” when you reached God and our Savior’s embrace.  Remember “I love you a bushel and a peck” and I’m happy you’re having what you’d term the “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah” days you cherished here where you are now yourself again and with those you love there.  I also know you’ll be watching over and assisting us still – just from quite a holier place. 
May we all go forward and do all good things through Christ who strengthens us, as He did you. 
Mom, I love you and thank you for the gift of you and the windows you opened for us all.  I honor you forever.  God be with you, and with us in your absence, until we meet again!   

Ashley Bernal - As delivered at Sherron's funeral

March 25, 2021
Dear Grandma,

Do you remember?

Remember your sparkly eyed smile, your contagious laugh. The way you slapped your hands together when something was especially funny.

Remember tea parties, sleepovers in my trundle bed, snorting with laughter.

Remember nature walks, brown paper bags or pockets stuffed full of treasures.

Remember birthdays, family trip days, “adventures” and countless car rides and nights spent as a family at restaurants laughing and swapping stories. 

Remember being at allllll the birthdays, games, plays, events, awards nights, graduations, weddings, baby blessings.

Remember beaming with pride and love as you held new babies, attended sealings, greeted homecomings.

Remember Tennessee times on the lake in a pontoon, scoops of ice cream as tall as the sky at the Bean Pot, hunting Beanie Babies, miniature golf, picking blackberries, pancake breakfasts, painting pottery, plays at the Playhouse, fireworks.

Remember snuggling up in your basement to watch a movie and listening to the tree frogs in the surrounding woods.

Remember game nights of charades, Pictionary, ringing in New Years, celebrating time just being together.

Remember December 1st treats and always always conversation hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Remember thoughtful cards, newspaper clippings carefully and lovingly cut out and mailed with thoughtfulness and great care to bring a smile, spark a laugh, share a spiritual thought.

Remember fun in the kitchen baking countless cookies, homemade Oreos, 7 flavor pound cake.

Remember warm tight hugs, listening to Nora Jones or Michael Buble, lots of miss yous and see you laters when we no longer lived close.

Remember all your stories of times gone by, lessons learned, wisdom passed on.

Remember loving the gospel and being a true example of steadfastness and faith.

Remember shaping who I am today.

Remember how lucky I always will be to have grown up with a Grandma like you.

I’m so glad that you are finally in a place where you can remember. I will always remember you.

Love and miss you, until we meet again.

Justin Molinaro - As delivered at Sherron's funeral

March 25, 2021
I think we would all agree that the world has seemed a little dimmer since the passing of my Grandma Sherrie. She truly was a light. As I have reflected on our relationship and the countless special memories I was fortunate enough to make with her, I have realized that one of the things that made her so extraordinary is how she embodied characteristics that are difficult to find in today’s world. Sherron DeVos was consistently present and unapologetically authentic.
In the world of distraction in which we find ourselves today, those who are truly “Present” are few and far between. Schedules are busy, to-do lists are ever growing and the urge to multitask to keep up with our own lives often causes us to split attention and engagement between tasks and people. Grandma Sherrie had a lengthy to do list. Between Art circle, community involvement, church callings, service to friends, the Cumberland County playhouse, caring for Grandpa Dave and more, she could have easily fallen into the same trap we all do from time to time and let the “to-dos” take over. She did not. She was masterful at mentally being with those she was physically with. Nothing got in the way of her making you feel special, and to take it a step further, when we were not together, she still sought to be “present” in my life. Sending me emails with favorite quotes or scriptures, looking through newspapers for jokes she thought would brighten my day or articles that would help me deepen my intellect. As these were received over email, snail mail or quite often hand carried, they were always appreciated and became commonplace. Looking back, she spent hours thinking about and caring for me and my siblings even when we were apart. She was present. She was there. If I had a baseball game or a soccer game she was there. If I had a band concert or some scouting achievement, she was there. If I had a birthday, or a priesthood advancement, she was there. My mission president always taught us that Heavenly Father is a full-time parent – He has no distracting hobbies. Grandma Sherrie had plenty of hobbies. But like our Father in Heaven, and as taught by President Monson, her jobs that needed doing were never more important than the people in her life who needed loving. Without fail and without distraction, she was Present.
Next, she was unapologetically authentic. The world today is plagued by false filters, forged perceptions of reality and inaccurate narratives. Those who are themselves without reservation are a breath of fresh air in what can otherwise be a suffocating society. Grandma Sherrie was this breath of fresh air. Those of you who have been with her when the laughing kicked in until tears rolled down her cheeks have experienced first hand how contagious (and occasionally attention getting in very public places) her authenticity could be. Her joy brought joy to those around her. It was infectious. Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have Joy. Grandma Sherrie took that to heart. Finding joy and spreading it was just who she was. She found joy in taking us to play mini golf in Cross Vegas (as she liked to call it) and hitting the ball way too hard. She found joy in risking it all and watching her teammate squirm in a neck and neck game of pass the pigs. She found joy in making sure warm chocolate chip cookies were waiting for us every time we would road trip up to visit her and grandpa. She had such a love for life and knew how to live it in the way her Father in Heaven would have her live it. Never have I met a woman so authentically passionate about her testimony and love for the Savior. I remember countless times finding Grandma Sherrie somewhere in the house studying her scriptures or on her knees talking with her Heavenly Father. Even as she began to lose cognitive ability, she knew her Savior and she knew where she stood before Him. Her authentic love for Him was the very core of who she was.
As I began, these two qualities – that of being Present and Authentic are less and less commonplace these days, and now even less so with the passing of Grandma Sherrie. May we honor her by seeking to develop these traits in ourselves and in so doing draw closer to our Savior and Father in Heaven. As we seek to improve in these areas, may we think of my Grandma and her inspiring example.
May she rest in peace and may the peace and light of Christ she so gracefully exuded during her wonderful life rest in all of us as we seek to further her legacy of love and unshakable faith.

Invite others to Sherron's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline