With heavy hearts and joyous memories, we announce the passing of Sharon Lee Shaltry (Grose), affectionately known as Sherrie, who passed away peacefully at 81 on June 9, 2024, in East Lansing, MI. Born on November 27, 1942, in the great state of Missouri, Sherrie lived a life full of love, joy, and laughter.

Sherrie grew up in a unique household in Missouri, with a singing cowboy for a father and a fun-loving mother. She graduated from Laboure Parish High School in St. Louis, MO, where she left her mark not just academically but surely as the life of every school event.

On November 5, 1966, Sherrie married the love of her life, Thomas Shaltry. Their marriage was a testament to true partnership and lasted for 44 wonderful years until Thomas's passing. Together, they raised a large (and I mean LARGE), loving, and loud family that brought endless joy and regular chaos into their lives.

Family was Sherrie's greatest passion, and she reveled in the noise, commotion, and laughter that her large brood provided. She embodied the belief that family is not bound by blood or color but by love. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she embraced fostering and adopting children, acting as a fierce advocate for others navigating the adoption process. An active member of the Catholic Church, Sherrie participated in prayer groups and Bible study groups and was known for her dedication to helping with funeral luncheons.

Sherrie's love for animals was legendary. As a teenager, she kept exotic pets, including a kinkajou, snakes, and horses. Later in life, her home became a menagerie of reptiles, birds, spiders, and even hissing cockroaches. Her many dogs, especially her beloved Newfoundlands, consistently named Chidlee (or some creative variation thereof), were her constant companions.

Sherrie was celebrated for her infectious laugh, her talent for finding humor in any situation, and her knack for turning the mundane into a knee-slapping, tear-inducing event. Her attempts to tell funny stories often ended with her laughing so hard she could barely catch her breath, much less finish the story. With a deep affection for her (naughty) children, she had countless stories that left everyone in stitches.

Sherrie Lee Grose lived a life overflowing with love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, Meemaw (or at least as much peace as can be provided after the enthusiastic welcome you will receive from your husband and children), and may your spirit continue to inspire and bring joy from the heavens.

Acknowledgments

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers, medical staff, and friends who supported Sherrie in her later years. Your kindness and compassion were deeply appreciated.

Survivors and Predeceased

Sherrie is survived by her children: Thomas M. and Paula Shaltry (daughter-in-law), Patrick Shaltry, Lisa Shaltry (daughter-in-law), Kelly Shaltry, Christopher and Jenny Shaltry (daughter-in-law), Shane Shaltry, Shawn and Julie Shaltry (daughter-in-law), Jaimi Johnson, Joshua Shaltry, Kimberlee and Brian Uhleski (son-in-law), Cody and Robin Shaltry (daughter-in-law), Marie and Tony Haywood (son-in-law), Kenji Shaltry, Cory Shaltry, Autumn Powell, Bryan Shaltry, Jordan Shaltry, and Jerry Murillo (son-in-law). She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces.

Sherrie was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Mildred Grose, her husband Thomas D. Shaltry, her brother Donald Grose, and her children Gabriella Shaltry, Taeler Shaltry, Joseph Shaltry, Louikenson Shaltry, and Jade Shaltry Murillo.

Funeral and Memorial Information

A celebration of Sherrie's life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Grand Ledge, MI. Visitation will be from 10-11 am, followed by a memorial service at 11 am. Afterward, the family invites you to join us for drinks at Sanctuary Spirits (902 E Saginaw Hwy, Grand Ledge).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sherrie's memory to local animal shelters or adoption agencies, both causes that were close to her heart.

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