In Loving Memory of
Sherry Littleford
Sherry Elyse Littleford, Age 69, died on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Surprise, AZ. She was surrounded by many members of her family, as they sang and danced to celebrate her amazing life and spirit. Sherry was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.
Sherry was born January 1, 1945 in Chicago, IL to Aaron & Shirley Kirsch. In 1960, at age 15, Sherry and her family moved to Cupertino, CA where she graduated with Honors from Cupertino High School. After that, Sherry attended San Jose State University where she met her husband, Leon Littleford. Sherry and Lee were happily married August 13, 1966.
Sherry worked for many years in the Real Estate mortgage industry but took time off to raise their two daughters, Jennifer and Allison. Sherry and Lee moved from San Jose to Thousand Oaks, CA in 1976. When their girls started school, Sherry returned to work, this time in the casino business. She helped run the Commerce Casino for many years before moving into car sales, where she quickly excelled. It was not long before she was in charge of fleet, lease and internet sales. Sherry sold many vehicles to big name celebrities and game shows, like the Price is Right.
Sherry loved to read books, especially mysteries. She had shelves and shelves of books, which were constantly changing as she added to her collection and donated hundreds of books at a time to the local library. Sherry loved to play games, including cards. She was a Life Master at Duplicate Bridge. Sherry and Lee spent many years playing Pinochle with Ron and Wilma Littleford.
Sherry was a genius in the kitchen. She was always experimenting with new ideas and putting her flair into recipes. Sherry and Lee would hold weekly dinners at their home in Thousand Oaks for friends and family. There would be anywhere from 10-30 people dropping by for food and company on any given Sunday. Sherry kept a linen closet full of food, which was a main attraction for all to see. Friends and family often teased her about it until 1994 when the Northridge Earthquake caused shortages at the local supermarkets. The Littlefords hosted many dinners that week.
Sherry is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Lee, their daughters, Jennifer Littleford of Thousand Oaks , Allison Brockford and Stephanie Brockford of Dallas TX, and her granddaughters, Tayler Friedrich and Devlin Brockford.
Sherry is also survived by her mother Shirley Kirsch of Woodland Hills, CA.; Sister, Teena Impink of Santa Maria, CA.; brother and sister -in-law Hugh and Karen Littleford of Fort Wayne, In.; sister-in-law Wilma Littleford of Las Vegas, NV.; Nieces and Nephews Tracy Kelly of Issaquah, WA, Mandy Dunn of Atascadero, CA, David Impink of Scottsdale, AZ, Randy Littleford of North Tonawanda, NY, Dennis, Marcia, Amy & Erica Littleford of Landcaster, CA, Michael Littleford of Michigan, Mark Littleford and Matthew Littleford of Indiana, Gene Littleford of Las Vegas, NV, Gary and Laurie Edeman of California; Mark and Michael Littleford of Valencia, CA, Heather Plaza of Palmdale, CA, Cherish Kerber of North Tonawanda, NY, Kyle Littleford of North Tonawanda, NY; Cousins Gary Ross of Northbrook, IL, Ruth and Steven Ross of Surprise, AZ Friends; Betty Goldfield of Scottsdale, AZ, Joan Ashton of Los Angeles, CA, Phyllis Sandman of Thousand Oaks, CA. Phyllis Phelps of Las Vegas, NV, Bob & Sue Hammond of Las Virgines, Ca., Doug & Jane Degher of Flagstaff, AZ; Pets, Bugsy and Maxine
Sherry is predeceased by her father, Aaron Kirsch and her long time, dear friend, Ronna Jermain.
There is no service planned at this time. We invite everyone to share your thoughts, stories, photos and memories of Sherry here on her memorial site. Sherry has been cremated at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Funeral Home, 710 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ
The family would like to give an enormous thank you to the staff at Serenity Hospice in Arizona for their loving care and support. The staff became part of the family and shared in the celebration of Sherry’s life.
If you would like to make a donation to Serenity Hospice in Sherry’s name, please do so at:
Serenity Hospice
4122 N 17th St http://www.serenityhospicefoundation.org/giving-options/
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 265-4663
Tributes
Leave a tributeIt has taken a little while to wrap my head around the fact that you aren't here anymore. I will always remember you as being so funny and witty, letting me stay up to watch movies that I probably shouldn't have been watching with Ali and Jenny, and always, always, always, putting family first. Sunday dinners were always so good, not just in food (which goes without saying), but in company. Everybody was always welcome in your home and you made sure that we all knew we were always welcome. You kept us smiling and laughing even when you may have been feeling awful. I will always think of you with a smile and will hold onto the fond memories of a house filled with family, love, craziness and yummy food. And Charles Chips. And Hot Shot. And Boomer and Shotsie ;-). I love you, Aunt Sherry. Rest in Peace.
Love Always,
Tracy
Rest in peace my friend.....you will be greatly missed.
You were always smiling and happy, except the time that Ali and I were toasting bagels and Ali wanted them really toasted, but then they caught fire and as Ali was about to pour a pitcher of water on it, you came running and just unplugged the toaster. It was a good learning experience for me and Ali, on how not to burn the house down.
I love you and will truly miss you. You were an amazing person!
Our lives are better for having known you.
I'll miss you and always remember you.
We have never had the perfect relationship, but I owe my mother all the gratitude in the world for this gift. It's one I miss terribly these days.
I love you mom.