Flossie Lorene Caverly

Sherry Caverly, 93, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 15, 2024, surrounded
by loved ones. She was born Flossie Lorene on November 9, 1931 in Chillicothe, Missouri to
Porter Ray and Martha (Mero) Cranmer. When she was young, she had an uncle who came
back from visiting France and started calling her his 'little cherie', which eventually became
Sherry, and she would use that name for the rest of her life. She spent time growing up between
the Butte and Bigfork areas, living for some time with her grandmother, Flossie Gilbert, for
whom she was named. On August 19, 1950, she married James "Jim" Caverly and they
welcomed their first child, Linda Marie, the following year. They settled in Bigfork on family
property, and over the next several years they would welcome three more children: Susan
Elayne, James Richard Jr., and Donald Louis. They spent all of their married life together in that
small home. Sherry and Jim enjoyed taking their children hiking, camping, and exploring all over
the natural beauty of northwest Montana, including memorable trips to Glacier Park. Jim was
diligent at taking photographs to catalog their life together. They involved their children in the
local 4-H club, and she would continue the tradition of her involvement with 4-H for the rest of
her life; a tradition continued with and by her daughter Linda. In 1973, she found work outside
the home at what was then called The Gay 70's, a café in Bigfork. Through many name and
ownership changes, Sherry was a fixture at the café. She was a beloved and well-known
waitress until the age of 79. As she settled into retirement, she refused to slow down. Whether
she was babysitting her great-grandchildren, or teaching her 4-H sewing students, or making
something for the Bigfork Piecemakers Quilt Guild, she never stopped moving. One of her
particularly favorite activities was a yearly trip to the fair. She went every year for decades,
sleeping in a camper for the whole week, and was a familiar face in the 4-H Expo Building.
Sherry was a long-time member of the Bigfork quilt guild, and her family were the recipients of
her many projects. She was an avid seamstress, making clothes for every generation of her
family. There's not a grandchild or great-grandchild that hasn't worn something crafted
especially for them by Grandma. Her family was her world. Sherry's family would like to extend
their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Logan Health Hospice for their gentle care and compassion
for Sherry and her family through her final days. She was preceded in death by her husband,
the love of her life, James Caverly Sr., parents Porter Ray Cranmer and Martha Morgan,
brothers Jim and Ivan (Butch) Cranmer, sisters Gladys Cranmer and Maxine Dickinson, and
grandson Anthony Caverly. She is survived by her children, Linda Stewart (Bill), Sue Schraeder
(Dan), Jim Caverly Jr. (Renee), and Don Caverly (Bev), eleven grandchildren, twenty-three
great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren plus one on the way, as well as
numerous nieces and nephews. She was called 'Grandma' by many for whom she held a
special place in their hearts.
A memorial service is planned for January 11, 2025, 1:00pm, at the Swan River Community
Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sherry's memory can be made to the Montana 4-H program.
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