Cheryl SHERICK

May 21, 1944 - April 23, 2025

Spokane - Cheryl Dee Sherick passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, in the presence of family. She was born at home in Dishman Hills, Washington, on May 21, 1944, to Harold and Nellie Mae Alexander. At the age of five, Cheryl and her family moved to the iconic rock home on 4th Avenue in Spokane, built by her father, where her parents would reside for the rest of their lives.

Cheryl attended Pratt Elementary and graduated from West Valley High School in 1962, where she met the man who would later become the love of her life and husband of 55 years, Lonnie Sherick. Cheryl attended courses with a focus on secretarial studies at Washington State University, a path that led to a fulfilling career as a secretary for the Central Valley School District. She worked for many years at the elementary and middle schools her children attended, forming lasting friendships with colleagues, students, and their families.

Cheryl and Lonnie raised their four children in the Ponderosa neighborhood of Spokane Valley, where their home was a warm and welcoming hub for countless celebrations, barbecues, and pool parties. Cheryl was a devoted and enthusiastic supporter of her children's and grandchildren's many activities - from football, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, wrestling, golf, tennis, and cross-country to music and dance performances - and was often found on the sidelines or in the audience cheering them on.

Family vacations were frequent and cherished, spent exploring the Pacific Northwest, enjoying the rain forests of Lake Quinault, relaxing on the Oregon Coast, or house-boating on Canada's Shuswap Lakes - memories fondly remembered by the extended family and cousins who shared in many of those adventures. Later in life, Cheryl and Lonnie traveled extensively, including a scenic trip to Maine and Vermont in the fall, guided tours through Czechoslovakia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Costa Rica, cruises to Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and meaningful returns to Hawaii, where they honeymooned in 1969.

A generous and compassionate spirit, Cheryl dedicated much of her time to helping others. She volunteered for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Meals on Wheels, the Union Gospel Mission, a local women's shelter, and Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her selflessness and empathy left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jadie Sherick; her brother, Tex Alexander; and her parents, Harold and Nellie Mae Alexander. She is survived by her devoted husband, Lonnie Sherick; her children: Scott (Deanna) Sherick, Jennifer (Brian Ostby) Sherick, and Brian (Lori) Sherick; 10 grandchildren: Zane (Caitlin Kelly) Rudkin, Hunter (Jennifer Arrellin) Rudkin, Jacob Sherick, Courtney (Devon Plewman) Sherick, Zak (Cecilia Baird) Sherick, Jordan (David) Bircher, Meier (Brittany Schmus) Russell, Rilee Homer, Joe Sherick, and Samantha Sherick; and four great-grandchildren: Adlee Bircher, Ella Bircher, Grey Rudkin, and Zephyr Sherick. She also leaves behind eight nieces, four nephews, and countless friends, including her sister-in-law, Monda VanHollebeke, and brother-in-law, Will Gronlund.

Cheryl will be remembered for her warmth, her unwavering devotion to family, her joyful and sometimes uncontrollable laughter, and her generous heart. Her legacy of love, kindness, and service will live on in all those whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 Schafer Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.