Sherry Graham

Sherry Graham, 79, of University Park, passed away Friday, December 16, 2022, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Sharon Lee Graham, daughter of Charles Earl and Ruth Geneva (Cochran) Loudenback, was born on December 15, 1943, in Glidden, Iowa. Sherry grew up in Glidden and was part of the 1961 graduating class. After high school, she attended William Penn University, obtaining her bachelor's degree in Home Economics and Sociology in 1966. She was elected the Iowa Home Economics Association president while at William Penn. In college, Sherry married the love of her life, Dave Graham, on April 24, 1965, at the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Sherry taught Home Economics and Biology at Deep River Millersburg. She was working on her master's degree in Kirksville, Missouri, when they welcomed their first daughter, Angie, in 1967. She taught Home Economics, Special Ed., Science, and History at Eddyville from 1968-1970. Sherry became a stay-at-home mother when they moved to Leighton in 1971, and they welcomed their second daughter, Amy, in 1975. In 1978, the family moved to New Sharon, where Sherry was the Activity Coordinator at the local nursing home. They moved to University Park in 2000. She and her husband worked for Pella Corporation until their retirement in 2009. During the 57 years that Dave and Sherry were married, they remained busy with real estate investments, maintaining their raised gardens and flowerbeds, along with refinishing/building furniture. They also enjoyed researching Civil War ancestry and attending Life House Church. Their favorite moments were occasions spent with family, grandchildren, and neighbors who had become family. Sherry loved baking and cooking, which was how she expressed her love and devotion to all. She used her talent for sewing by making care packages for children all over the world. She felt very blessed to have an incredibly fulfilling and wonderful life! Sherry is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dave Graham; her daughter Amy (Ryan) Stephens of Centerville; grandchildren: Hailey (Trevor), Mickey, Connor, and Zach; two great-grandchildren: Tyce and Karter. She is also survived by her sister, Charlotte (Burdell) Hensley of Oskaloosa; nephews Rob & Rick Hensley, Stephen (Helen) Job, Curt Lunsford, nieces Lori Lunsford, Kathy Larsen; son-in-law Bryan Noel of Oskaloosa, and many great nieces and nephews. Sherry was preceded in death by her daughter, Angela, her parents, Earl and Ruth, and her brother in infancy, Larry. Funeral services for Sherry will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with Burdell Hensley officiating. The interment will be in Forest Cemetery. The family will greet visitors from 10 a.m. to service time. Memorials may be made to the family and will be designated at a later time.

Sherry Graham

December 15, 1943 - December 16, 2022