Sherry Lynne Rhoads

Sherry Lynne Rhoads passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2025, at her home, The Lone Oak Ranch, in Valley Mills, Texas. Sherry was born on December 29, 1960, and was 64 years young at the time of her passing.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, at Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery. The family will receive visitors one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Sherry is survived and deeply missed by her loving husband Leonard Rhoads of 41 years; her daughter Haley and her husband Kolt Kittley; her grandson Carson Kittley; her son Jacob Rhoads; her sister Annette and her husband Dave Davis; her sister Patti and her husband Bill Dolen; her in-laws Linda and Wes Kittley; Teresa Briles; and Mike and Cindy Rhoads. Sherry will be forever cherished, loved, and remembered by all her family.

Her memory lives on with her nieces and nephews and their children; Andrea and John Hefley and their children Beckett and Hollis; Brandi and John Beard and their children Cash, Trinity, and Breleigh; Jonathan and Callie Kittley and their children Haizley, and Henley; Chris and Bre Kittley and their children Peyton, Kendal, and Kennedy; Zachary and Emily Kittley and their children Ford, Knox, and Rhoads; Jason and Jennifer Briles and their children Brett, Braylee, Brenna; Trenton and Hannah Rhoads and their child Dawson; Tate and Leah Rhoads and their children Remi and Saige Rhoads; and Levi Rhoads.

Sherry was predeceased by her father, Charles (Buster) Bynum, her mother, Juanita Bynum who welcomed her home with open arms.

She was born and raised in Waco, Texas, graduating from Waco University. Sherry chose to further her education and play volleyball at Abilene Christian University and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in English and Physical Education. Sherry met her husband Leonard while at ACU and married the love of her life in 1984. Sherry continued to further her education by attending Baylor University where she obtained her Master of Science degree in Education. Sherry and Leonard coached and taught Elementary, Middle, and High School throughout the years in Abilene, Hamlin, and Georgetown, Texas. The majority of Sherry’s life was spent with her family in Georgetown, Texas where she coached Georgetown High School Volleyball and Track and taught English. She later transitioned to Frost Elementary where she coached PE for the remainder of her career. Sherry additionally helped run summer league volleyball at Georgetown High School for numerous local volleyball teams every summer for several years. Her greatest joy came from the time she spent with her family and friends. Sherry and her family created many great memories together over the years on vacations, holidays, and birthday celebrations.

After Sherry retired in 2022, she and Leonard decided to build their dream home and move to Valley Mills, Texas. After a short stay in their spacious camper, their dream home was finished and branded as the Lone Oak Ranch. Even in retirement Sherry found little time to rest as she was very involved in many different communities. Sherry continued to coach Austin Performance Volleyball in Austin, Texas and impacted many lives in doing so. In addition to APV, Sherry and her husband decided to become volunteers for the Coryell Fire Department. Sherry found so much joy in giving back to the community by coaching APV and being a volunteer firefighter and responding to calls.

She took an active role in the lives of her son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson by visiting often, helping around their houses, and supporting her son-in-law’s football team the Stephenville Yellowjackets. Sherry loved to spend time playing sports and board games with her grandson Carson. She enjoyed going to Carson’s flag football games, basketball games, and laughing at how silly and funny her grandson was. Sherry enjoyed traveling and visiting new places with friends and family. She loved the beaches and mountains and exploring all of God’s beautiful creations.

Sherry had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She often spent her time reading books and running her small business, Rustic Roots. Sherry enjoyed watching Baylor, Texas Tech, and Florida Atlantic University football. She never turned down an opportunity to socialize with her friends and family.

She had very strong values and was well liked by everyone, mostly due to her fiery personality. She made a huge positive impact on her family, students, and the athletes she coached. Her legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we should cherish the time we have with family and appreciate all of our loved ones. Sherry was a role model and lived by example by living a life full of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.

There are no words that can express how grateful we are to everyone who did everything in their power for Sherry on the evening of her passing. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the EMTs and Firefighters for doing everything they could.