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Sherry Lankford Obituary
Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory, with burial in Highland Cemetery.
Survivors, all of Great Falls, include her son, Derek Cooper; a sister, Marcia (Earl) Fowler; brothers Donald (Sandy) Lankford and Scott (Barb) Lankford; an adopted brother, Joshua Lankford; and adopted sister Rachel Lankford.
Sherry was born Sept. 30, 1968, at Fort Belknap Agency, to Clyde and Patricia Lankford. She attended schools in Great Falls and graduated in 1986 from C.M. Russell High School.
She started her medical career at the Columbus Hospital in Great Falls as a surgical technician. Wanting to further her education, Sherry enrolled in correspondence classes to obtain her nursing degree. She worked as a surgical nurse and later surgical coordinator with Benefis Health System. She also worked for the Great Falls Clinic at its surgery center. She enjoyed her work as a nurse and devoted a lot of time to her profession.
Sherry enjoyed hunting with her family as well as camping, hiking and being in the outdoors. Growing up with four older brothers who hunted, she made sure she kept up with them, trying her hardest not to let them out-hunt her. She also loved working on several different houses she owned over the years, doing her own plumbing, wiring and general maintenance.
She lived life to the fullest; kayaking down the Colorado River, skydiving and rock climbing, just to name a few of her adventures. She was very loving and caring and befriended everyone with whom she came in contact. She often gave away her personal trinkets and treasures, and to those who have one - hold it close to your heart.
Derek wants his mother to know she was the greatest mother on Earth, and to express his love to her, he asks that everyone able to attend her funeral wear bright, cheerful colors.
Sherry was preceded in death by her father in 2002; her mother in 2010; brothers Gary in 2004, Jesse in 2009, and Michael John in 1962.
Memorials are suggested to the Sherry Lankford Memorial/Reward Fund, c/o US Bank, 511 Central Ave. W., Great Falls MT 59404.
Condolences may be posted online at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sherry Lankford
doris sack
May 16, 2011
to the family of my life long friend sherry may you all find comfort and peace may sherry rip an we are able to find closure on what happened to sherry i am still praying for all the family god bless you all sherry will be missed and never forgoten
Barb Flamand
May 16, 2011
To the Lankford family.
We will always remember our little Sherry Lynn for her beautiful smile and as being a fun loving little tom-boy. We will always love and miss her. the Flamand family, Darrell, Barbara and kids.
Brian Brummett
May 16, 2011
Rest in Peace..
Stacy
May 16, 2011
Oh words cannot express how sad I am that Sherry Lynn is no longer with us. She was the most amazing, adventurous, liviest person I know. I have so many wonderful memories of her. She would pick me up in the vegamobile or the purple truck that I helped her fix up and I would say what adventure are we doing today sherry? She would say, "now its not an adventure if i tell you" haha i just loved her and wish there was something I could do to help her through her pain. She would be so happy when we would see each other. She always would say are you still my best friend? I said ALWAYS! My heart hurts for you all and please know that I will do whatever I can to help you keep her memory alive. She is with alot of her loved ones in heaven and I know she will be sure to watch over all of us. God bless you all and I love you all very much.
Maria Clement-Duwe
May 16, 2011
I went to school with Sherry from 8th grade on and she always had a smile on her face. My prayers and condolences goes out to her family and closest friends in this time of sorrow. May God Bless all of you and know that she is now safe.
Maria Clement-Duwe
Maria Clement-Duwe
May 16, 2011
I went to school with Sherry from 8th grade on and my prayers go out to all of her family and closest friends. May God Bless Sherry and her family in this time of loss.
Lori Johnson
May 16, 2011
I went to school with Sherry from second grade through high school. I haven't seen her since, but remember her as a firecely loyal friend, a great basketball player, and quick to smile. She liked to make people feel good. I am blessed to have known Sherry and wish her family peace and solace during this tragic time.
roberta & harold paul
May 13, 2011
sorry to hear about sherry. we grew up together. our prayers and thoughts go out to the family.
albert ledeau jr
May 13, 2011
sorry to here this of sherry was always real nice to me when i would see her my heart go'es out to the lankford's
Kathy Adams
May 11, 2011
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Sherry Lankford's family. I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privelage of knowing Sherry for the past five years. She was an awesome nurse and friend. I really enjoyed working with her. She will be missed by all."
Katie Benson-Gillis
May 11, 2011
I want to extend my sincere sympathy to Sherry's family. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you and Sherry. We went to school together from 3rd grade on, and I have many fond memories and photos of Sherry & I that I will treasure forever.
Katie
Tim A. Gardipee
May 10, 2011
My Dear Cousin Sherry, You were such a Blessing to your Family! Your Dad handed out Cigars the day you were born! I know because your brother told me with a chuckle! My Prayers are with your Family. Cousin Tim
Linda Puzon-Walls
May 10, 2011
I had the honor of Sherry being both a friend and my nurse on several surgeries. I did not see her much over the last five years but she is impossible to forget. I am deeply saddened that she is gone, but my memories live with me the rest of my life. I am dearly sorry for the Lankford family for their loss. I love you Sherbear...rip...puzie
Melanie Edmonds
May 10, 2011
To the Lankford Family, I am so sorry for ur loss. Sherry was an awesome girl and will be dearly missed.
Judy Gonter/Gramzow
May 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go to the family.
Maria Dusek
May 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family at such a terrible time. Your family has been through so much. Hold all those fond memories close to your hearts, I have some of my own. Love you all like family.
NorahChristine RunningWolf
May 10, 2011
My deepest condolences. God must have needed her to help heal those who are ill who come to Him.
Calvary Chapel of Great Falls
May 10, 2011
To Sherry's Family,
We extend our deepest sympathy as your hearts, after the terrible time of waiting, now suffer the painful grief of her passing. You are being remembered in our prayers before the Lord, Jesus Christ, let His loving presence truly comfort and sustain you as you hold fast to His promise of eternal life.
Ducky Komotios
May 10, 2011
our prayers and thoughts go out to all of you at this sad time.such a sad tragedy. Sherry can rest now. god bless you all.Ducky & Bobbie Komotios
The Boy Family of havre
May 10, 2011
so sorry to hear of the loss of sherry. i have been watching and prayin that she wud be found...alive.so sorry
May 9, 2011
i will miss sherry's nice friendly smile. you will be missed.my thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. Mary M and Connie L.
Kim and Rhonda Grindeland
May 9, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the entire Lankford family. May you take peace in knowing that Sherry is home with our father in heaven.
Chassidy Randall/Johnson
May 9, 2011
My heart, prayers and love are with you. Sherry will be so missed. I will hold the memories I have of her in my heart. Love, Chas (Chassidy)
Nancy Paulson
May 9, 2011
To Sherry's Family:
We gathered and said prayers during the past few weeks-- no words make this any better- or easier.
We are thinking of you as you honor Sherry.
You'll never forget her face,
the sound of her voice, the gentleness of her hand, for they let you know you were loved & appreciated.
You'll never forget the stories she told the traditions she kept and tried to hand down.
You'll never forget the lessons she taught, the things she stood for... they are her gifts to you as you remember & grieve.
You'll never forget and you'll always know that you honor her every day in how you live and who you are. With deep sympathy..
May God and all his Mighty Angels be near to each of you and give you the peace in your hearts to remember with smiles of your memories that you have.
Randy Peterson &
Nancy, Ron,& Curtis Paulson
Salli Jackson
May 9, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, Sherry may you be at peace in Gods arms!!! My son and I have fond memories of you! Jason Krueger and Salli Jackson
May 9, 2011
My heart and prayers go out to all you at this time of sorrow and loss. Grace
Cheryl Hannant
May 9, 2011
My heart and Prayers go out to the Lankford family!! May you find peace knowing she is in a better place!! Cheryl Hannant
Teryl Wright
May 9, 2011
Scott, Barb, and the Lankford family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. You are in my heart at prayers during this very difficult time.
May 9, 2011
Sherry will be missed, she was a great nurse and fun to work with. always good to have here help and hear her estories. peace chris conner
SHAWN COLE
May 9, 2011
TO THE LANKFORD FAMILY SCOTT AND DON AND MARCIA AND ALL INVOLVED SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS LOSS OF YOUR CONDOLENCES AND MY SYMPATHY AND ALL AT YOUR TIME OF LOSS!TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS ! WELL ANYWAY TAKE CARE AND SORRY ABOUT THIS LOSS IN THE FAMILY! TO THOSE ON THE WESTSIDE WHO ARE PART OF THIS FAMILY!
bruce contway
May 9, 2011
sherry was a fine nurse and dear friend,
with love and respect to the lankford family
Doreen Anderson
May 9, 2011
She said she usually cried at least once each day not because she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful and life was so short.
Scott and family, My heart and prays go out to you all. Keep your faith ,she will always be with you in spirit.
God Bless
Patricia Zale-Pullen
May 9, 2011
My Mom and I were very sorry to hear that Sherry lost her life. She and her friend spent almost 5 days trying to remove the Badger from Moms property in Great Falls. They spent those nights out in the cold, She was determined to get him but he eluded her.I know the Raven has returned her to her forever home.Rest in Peace Sherry, the Badger is Yours!
Mary A Zale Great Falls Montana
Patricia Zale-Pullen Waterville Wa.
Nick Jung
May 8, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Lankford family . Sherry was always in grocery shopping at everday iga always talking hunting and jordan / leanne swimming was special . Smiling and so cheerful. The many memories will always be kept . yes I have a few with scott / gary/ bill sherman . Sherry has been missed at the store !
May 8, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. We didn't know Sherry,but our hearts go out to her family. The trial had ended for us when we heard the news that Sherry had been found. May you find strength in knowing that many are keeping you in their prayers. The family of Keith Peterson
Cherrie Kelly
May 8, 2011
So very sorry for your loss of Sherry. You have my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Kalafat
May 8, 2011
None of us can imagine the sadness and pain each of you must be feeling from your loss. Words fall short of expressing the sorrow we feel - - our thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever. Kathy, Jody, Jim, Jane & Joe Kalafat
Caroline Brymerski~
May 8, 2011
Scott and family my sympathy to you all she is now safe with God and with her eternal family.
May 8, 2011
I met Sherry when I was the clinic courrier and came to the west campus. She always had a hello and conversation. I had to have surgery in 2008 and was I so glad to see Sherry standing at the end of my bed when they pulled the curtain back to take me into the operating room. I hope that you can find some comfort in your many special memories and in the thought of the happy years you shared. When someone we love dies God hides a smile in every memory, and hope in every tear that falls. Thinking of you at this time with deepest sympathy. Donna Winters
Lisa Keene
May 8, 2011
To all of Sherrys' family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "May the winds of time blow the tears away." Love, Lisa
May 8, 2011
I worked with Sherry at Benefis West campus OR. She was always such a fun person to be around. I am SO sorry for your loss! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tosha Matejovsky
Darrell Dorr
May 8, 2011
Memories are sometimes the best way to block out the unfortunate ending of a dear life. I worked with Sherry at Columbus/Benefis West. When we first met, Sherry got it in her head my name was Mark. So I figured if that was easier for her to remember, she could call me Mark. One day she finally found out my name was Darrell. She from then on jokingly called me Mark anyway. I'll miss her smile and humor and excitement she brought into those lives around her. My prayers are with those she left behind.
May 8, 2011
to the famili she will be missed a lot i enjoied her and i talks we had ,mi praiers r with u .rita erickson.i will miss mi little friend lots.
Dianna Olson
May 8, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Sherry's family. I am deeply saddened for your loss. Marcia if there is anything I can do please let me know, I am here for you my friend!
Debbie McShane
May 8, 2011
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.I pray this family to stay strong.
charmae edwards
May 8, 2011
So very sorry for your loss of Sherry,,God
bless you all
Mary & Tom Littlefield
May 8, 2011
Marcia and family...
We are so Terrible sorry to hear of Sherry's passing!!! I knew she was missing & prayed she would come home safley...but went the Heaven sto be with her mom, dad and brother's iinstead. Your family has gone through so much greif and my prayes and thoughts are with all of you!
Mary & Tom
GINA MARKO
May 8, 2011
MY TEAR'S FALL DOWN AS I READ THIS. I AM THEY FOUND YOU AND YOU ARE HOME AND IN HEAVEN WHERE WE WILL ALL MEET AGAIN SOME DAY.GOD KNOWS. I LOVE & MISS YA SHERRY, SEE YA SOON.
May 8, 2011
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORRY. OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.. EVELYN AND CHARLES THOMAS
Amy Nelson Ney
May 8, 2011
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Sherry. I have been praying for her safe return and now will pray for her family's peace.
SHAWN COLE
May 8, 2011
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE LANKFORD FAMILY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT SHERRY PASSING.
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