Sherilyn Kay (Bigelow) Russell

Sherilyn Kay Russell, age 76, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at SKLD in Zeeland, MI. Born in Alma, MI, on November 1, 1944, to Carl and May (Rockafellow) Bigelow, she grew up in Alma and married Karlen (Buzz) Russell on July 27, 1963, in St. Louis, MI.

She lived a short time in Cadillac, MI, before settling in St. Johns, MI, to raise her family. Sherie was a homemaker for approximately 10 years and very involved in her children’s athletics and activities, and volunteered as a Brownie/Girl Scout leader. Later, she began working in the dental field as a dental assistant.

After her children were grown, Sherie and Buzz moved to Grand Haven to pursue a life of sailing on beautiful Lake Michigan. She was an avid member of the Grand River Sailing Club for over 20 years, where she volunteered often and held various positions, including Commodore. Every week, she participated in the Wednesday night sailboat races. She was also a member of CORE (Clean-Up Our River Environment) for several years.

Sherie was always happy and known for her infectious smile and had many friends. She loved going for walks on the channel boardwalk, riding her bicycle, and watching beach sunsets. She also had a big yard, and thoroughly enjoyed landscaping and tending to her flowers. She loved her home and living in Grand Haven and often referred to it as “Grand Heaven!”

Sherie is survived by daughter, Jody (Dan) TerHaar of Holland; son, Jeffrey Russell of Grand Haven; step-children, Alexandria TerHaar, Danielle Panepento, Tony TerHaar; step-grandchildren, Payton, Taylor, Kooper, Ellery, Natalie; three sisters, Sheila (Doug) Yarnell of Alma, Eunice (Al) Bigelow of Gainesville, FL, Beth White of Alma; and in-laws, Robert Sparks of Alma, Marion (Skig) Russell of Kalkaska. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Buzz; and sister-in-law, Karen Sparks.

The Funeral Service for Sherie will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor David Boomgaard officiating. Friends and relatives may greet her family for a time of Visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, from 1 to 2 p.m. Masks and Social Distancing will be required at all services.

Memorial Contributions in Sherie’s honor may be given to the Grand River Sailing Club.

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