Obituary of Sheryl Lynn Smith
Sheryl Lynn Waldecker was born in Monroe, Michigan on August 19, 1949. She was one of three children born to Herbert and Shirley (Clark) Waldecker. Sherri graduated with the Class of 1967 from Airport High School in Carleton, Michigan.
On August 19, 1989, her 40th birthday, Sherri wed the love of her life, Daniel Smith, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe. Fate had intervened to bring the couple together when Dan’s semi-truck broke down in Monroe. Sherri loved being behind the wheel as much as her spouse. She was employed for many years as an oversized load escort. She also obtained her Michigan Real Estate license and worked as an agent for a short time.
Sherri enjoyed hitting the highway for leisure as much as work. A free spirit, she would take off to any destination on a whim and often tagged along on her husband’s trucking routes across the country. Drawn to the warmth of the South, Sherri and Dan moved to Florida for a short period but made the easy decision to return to Michigan upon the birth of their grandchildren. The consummate caregiver, she often tended to the grandkids while their mother was at work. Sherri was a wonderful cook and wasn’t afraid to try new recipes. She created a dish she called “Little Chicken” which the grandchildren loved.
Sherri was blessed with extraordinary artistic ability. She created unique crafts and beautifully detailed paintings. A longtime fan of the soap opera “General Hospital”, Sherri never missed an episode. She also enjoyed Hallmark movies and cooking shows, especially “Hell’s Kitchen”. A firecracker, Sherri was fiercely independent. She would talk to anyone and made friends quickly. Sherri was kind and deeply loving but could be brutally honest. If she liked you, she liked you. If she didn’t like you, you’d better look out!
Sheryl Lynn Smith, age 73, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away peacefully, with her husband Dan and daughter Deanna by her side, at ProMedica Skilled Care and Rehabilitation in Monroe on Thursday; April 6, 2023. In addition to her father in 2008, Sheryl’s passing was preceded by her brother Roger Waldecker in 1995; and her stepson: David Smith.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of thirty-three years: Dan Smith; a daughter: Deanna (Rich) Duvall-Schoenegge; a stepdaughter: April (Brad) Smith-Pardue; four grandchildren: Danielle (Ross) Williams-Emery, Keith Williams, Allison Pinkelman, and Alayna Pinkelman; three step-grandchildren: Jaelyn, Nolan and Karsyn Carter; her mother: Shirley Waldecker; a brother: Wayne Waldecker; two brothers-in-law: Ronald (Kelly) Smith and Tony (Sherry) Smith; a sister-in-law: Robin (Darrel) Wallace; and beloved canine companion: “Sugar”, her little dog with a big heart.
Sheryl’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
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