"SHERRY" SHARON ALYCE (LOVE) KELLEY

Sharon Alyce “Sherry” Kelley, daughter of Glenn Cecil and  Gladys Cecile (Cross) Love was born on Wednesday, September 9, 1936 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.   She attended public schools in Scottsbluff and Harrisburg, Nebraska.  She graduated from Banner County High School, in Harrisburg, Nebraska in 1954.   After graduation she, also, attained a teaching certificate.   Sherry passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the Central Wyoming Hospice Center in Casper, Wyoming.

Sherry was married to Claude Kelley on June 5, 1955. Mutual family members set them up on a pseudo “blind date”.   Claude, being a man known for a nervous stomach when he had to eat with others, said later that “He knew she was the girl for him, because she didn't make him sick when he ate”.     Claude and Sherry lived all over the state of Wyoming in the 1960's. They were, very much, a part of history as Claude was a foreman for Knisley-Moore Construction, who was responsible for building all of the Interstate highways in Wyoming. They were blessed with four children.  And, Claude preceded Sherry in death on January 9, 2000. 

She was, also, preceded in death by her father and mother, and her three brothers, Robert Love, Kenneth Love; and Gary Love; foster-parents, Arden and Vinita Cross as well as foster-brother, Alan Cross.

As a longtime resident of Douglas, Sherry was active in many organizations.  First, and foremost, was her membership at the First Baptist Church in Douglas, Wyoming.   Her attendance began in the mid 1960's up until the time of her death.    She spent many years in the role as church pianist, church organist and Choir Director.  She was on many church committees and led a Ladies Bible Study.   She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and spent many years as an intricate member of a Bowling Team.   Because of her beautiful singing voice, Sherry was asked 100's of times to sing for weddings and funerals in the Douglas area. 

Sherry was known by many names around town.   She was very involved in the lives of her children and, therefore, was called “Mom” by many.    Her green thumb was huge, and she was known around town as the “Rose Lady”.   She found great joy in planting, growing, pruning her large rose garden.   And, many days you would find people stopping to just take pictures of it.     Every year, at Christmas, until health issues robbed her of her stamina, she would create large totes full of homemade cookies and candy that were taken to the Douglas Police Department.  Where, there, she was lovingly known as “Christmas Cookie Mom”.  She participated in Community Choirs and had leading roles in some of the musicals.   One being, “Oklahoma” ....  where she played, and was forever known by her castmates, as Aunt Eller.

Sherry was a stay-at-home Mom for many years, but began working at Darv's Supply, in Douglas, in the 1970's; as a bookkeeper and running the scales.   During the Wyoming State Fair, she worked several years, at the livestock Sale Barn.  Where she became very proficient in her knowledge of “Charolais” Bulls.....  much to the amusement of her family. 

Her greatest, vocation, accomplishment, however, was as the Director of Irwin Towers – Douglas Housing Authority.   She served in this position from 1985 to the end of 2008, and then worked two more years after she had “officially” retired.  She was instrumental in moving Irwin Towers into becoming a stellar facility. She was awarded, by the US Department of HUD, with the Secretary's Commendation for “High Achiever” and went to Washington, DC to receive it, personally, in 1999.

As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by many.  Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers that she loved so well.  She was a humble, ethical and hard-working woman.   She was very intelligent, and witty, with a big laugh.   Humor was a standard in her home.  Sherry was kind and thoughtful and she instilled all of these qualities in all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her lasting legacy to her family was a woman with a heart after God.   She served her Lord Jesus her entire life, and after so many years of living with debilitating pain, she is now in His presence for eternity.                                                                                

Her beautiful life will be cherished, and missed, in the lives of her children:  Deb (Eric) Nelson of Lakewood, Colorado, Kathy Johnson and Bryan (Tammy) Kelley of Douglas, Wyoming and Karen Wulff of Casper, Wyoming; seven grandchildren and their spouses – Chris Nelson, Jennifer (Nelson) Allen, Casey Johnson, Emory (Wulff) Morris, Katelyn Johnson, Mariah (Kelley) Grayson, and Ty Kelley.    She also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews that she cherished.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be donated to:  Central Wyoming Hospice, 319 South Wilson Street, Casper, Wyoming 82601 or the Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8, Claude Kelley Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 1, Douglas, Wyoming 82633.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

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