DR. WALLACE WILDMAN SHERRITT

DR. WALLACE WILDMAN SHERRITT WESTVILLE, IN
The Hippocratic Oath I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant................... I will respect the hard won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow. I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug. I will not be ashamed to say "I know not" nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery. I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. Above all, I must not play at God. I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, or a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick. I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow man, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help. If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. This sacred oath taken by all physicians was embodied in the daily life of Dr. Wallace W. Sherritt, who died September 5, 2016, at the age of 75. He was a dedicated and gifted physician who practiced medicine in this community for 45 years. Born Wallace Wildman Sherritt, on November 16, 1940, only child to Mabel (Easterday) Krider and Charles Sherritt from Muncie, IN. His parents preceded him in death. Wally, as he was affectionately known, started working at the young age of 12 at Sechler's Pickle Farm in St. Joe, IN. He described the work as "hot and hard" but, when reminiscing about that period of his life, he seemed to have a certain pride in his duties and a respect for his fellow immigrant workers. He readily admitted to not having the best of grades throughout his required years of education, however, once he set his sights on his passion for medicine, it all changed. He attended Indiana University for his undergrad studies. From 1966 to 1969 he studied at the Chicago Osteopathic School of Medicine where he received his medical license. While in medical school, summers were spent as an extern at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Gary, IN. During this externship, he met a young nurse that was unimpressed with his general demeanor. Everyone else seemed agreeable to his nature, but there was just something about him that seemed to irritate her and thus, a period of bantering between the two ensued. She noticed that he never caught lunch on the fly as all the other externs did. After some time, she started offering half of her sandwich to him whenever he was assigned to her shift. It became obvious to her that this young doctor was, in the truest sense of the word, "getting by". As time passed, his demeanor towards the young nurse changed, so much so that on 7-18-70 in Miller, IN, Antionette J. Schiralli's father, Judge Nicholas Schiralli married them. Three beautiful daughters were born from that union: Nicole A. Sherritt, Danielle A. Desilio (Philippe), and Natasha A. Sherritt-Licari (Frank). His internship placed the young doctor and wife in Grand Rapids, MI, known at the time as Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital (now called Metropolitan Hospital). Residency followed, also in Grand Rapids, at Blodget Memorial Hospital from 1973 to 1976, where he specialized in OB/GYN. He did quite well in school and demonstrated a natural affinity for making patients feel at ease. During the latter years of medical school, he practiced family medicine in Hobart, IN from January to November of 1971. From December 1971 to May 1972 he was an E.R. physician at Grand Rapids Metropolitan Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI. From June 1972 to June 1973 he returned to Portage, IN practicing family medicine. These experiences helped mold a very well rounded OB/GYN provider who not only had a specialty but also a solid background in general medicine. After a very short period of time, his patients became aware that he was no ordinary doctor, but someone they could depend on for personal and family advice. A bond was quickly formed between he and his patients. They sought council from him and felt safe with him. He settled in Valparaiso in 1976 and became the youngest partner of OB/GYN Associates from 1976 to 1981. Although comfortable in a group, he really wanted to experience solo practice and opened his private practice in 1981. The days were long and very busy. When patients needed care, but didn't have insurance, he didn't turn them away. In his mind, there was nothing to do but provide the best care his patients deserved and wave his fees. His personal life soon changed and he found himself alone. He filled the void and relieved the stress by watching old movies. When opportunity presented itself, you could find him at the local movie rental store renting several movies at a time. On one such occasion, he happened to meet another movie buff with the same errand in mind. They exchanged pleasantries and chitchatted about their mutual interests. After several conversations and many movies together, he married Joanne M. Badornac, April 3, 1993, in Lake Tahoe, NV. They shared the love of sailing, and for a short period of time, motorcycling. She proved to be a very good sport as he introduced her to fly fishing (you know, standing out in cold rushing spring waters with waders up to your hips!). They went on several camping/fishing trips together. One could never tell if she truly enjoyed the sport or just the company of being with him. Life continued on as did the work. In 2010, St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, IN enticed him to join their organization and he worked directly with the hospital until 2012 when its' parent company, Community Care Network, Inc., offered him a position. His faithful patients followed him and the work continued. It is estimated that he delivered over nine thousand babies through the course of his career, often generations within the same family. He was also considered an excellent surgeon and, again, the sheer number of surgical patients are far too many to count. He experienced the joy of becoming a grandfather three times. Nicholas W. Sherritt, Zachary A. Barket, and Tristan S. Sherritt could always melt his heart and bring a smile to his face. He worked throughout, unaware that disease had silently and ominously crept into his life as so many before him. Dr. Sherritt was a member of the Indiana State and, American Medical Association, Porter County Medical Association, ACOG, and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. His past medical appointments included O.B. Department Chair, Porter County Hospital, 2006-2009. Q.A. OB/GYN Chair, Porter Regional Hospital, and member of the Medical Executive Board, Porter Regional Hospital. His colleagues, friends, and patients will always remember the sandals, no socks (even in the dead of winter) guy. He didn't like suits, or ties. He was an avid Bobby Knight and 1.U. basketball fan. His favorite meal was two, sometimes three, cheeseburgers, in one sitting! He was rarely seen without a pipe in his mouth and when he would remove it to speak, it was, most often, to deliver a quick witted remark, at the most inappropriate time. He loved people, he loved life. Cremation is planned with a private memorial service to be held by family. Donations may be made to the Porter County VNA Hospice. Heart felt appreciation is extended to this facility and its' compassionate staff for all their care. Dr. Sherritt is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Joanne; children: Nicole A. Sherritt, Danielle A. Desilio (Philippe), Natasha A. Sherritt-Licari (Frank); grandchildren: Nicholas W. Sherritt, Zachary A. Barket, and Tristan S. Sherritt. Rest now oh faithful physician. Your work is done.