Sheryl Ann (Sherrie) Daniels, 57, of Canyon Ferry, Montana died on Friday, December 23, 2011 at St Peter’s Hospital following a three and a half year battle with multiple myeloma, a form of bone cancer.
Sherrie was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 22, 1954 to Elgyn and Delores (Dotty and Al) Gabel of Roseville, Minnesota. Following college she was employed in the police training division of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, where she met her husband, of 34 years, Richard (Rick) Daniels who was a crime investigator for the same agency. They were married on August 26, 1977. Sherrie is survived by her husband Rick Daniels of Canyon Ferry, Montana and his daughters Renee Daniels-Mantle (Kail) of Three Forks, Montana and Rachele Daniels and grandson Alex Daniels of Port Orange, Florida. She is also survived by her brother Paul Gabel of Breezy Point, Minnesota and her brother Steve Gabel of Fridley, Minnesota. Sherrie was preceded in death by her parents, Dotty and Al Gabel of Roseville, Minnesota and her brother Alan Gabel of Alton, Illinois.
In 1984, Sherrie and Rick made their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where they owned and operated various funeral service-related businesses including Hills of Rest Memorial Park where, for 17 years, Sherrie served as the Business/Office Manager. In 2004, Sherrie and Rick moved to Canyon Ferry, Montana where Sherrie served as the Administrator of Retz Funeral Home in Helena, Montana until 2010. Sherrie derived a great deal of satisfaction from serving families in their time of need and as all who have met her know, she provided comfort to hundreds.
Throughout Sherrie’s life, she loved horses and as a result of that passion achieved international recognition as a trainer and exhibitor of Thoroughbred hunter/jumpers and western pleasure Quarter Horses. Sherrie also had a passion for motorcycles, and not unlike her passion for horses, she obtained national recognition as an exhibitor of custom Harley Davidson show bikes. Sherrie and Rick moved to Montana in 2004 to enjoy the freedom of the many open roads in the Montana Rocky Mountains on their Harleys.
In 2003, Sherrie was honored to be the First Lady of the El Riad Shriners in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For those so inclined, memorials in lieu of flowers will be directed to the El Riad Shriner’s Hospital Transportation Endowment Fund.
Memorial gatherings will be held at a later date in Canyon Ferry, Montana, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Roseville, Minnesota. Sherrie’s cremated remains, in part, will be scattered at an undisclosed place over the Continental Divide in the Montana Rocky Mountains, as well as next to her mother’s grave in Roseville, Minnesota and at Hills of Rest Memorial Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Retz Funeral Home in Helena, Montana will be facilitating the funeral arrangements. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Sherrie, please sign the guest book on this website.
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Don & Janeen Rang says
Thanks for the good days biking with Sioux Falls HOG
McCroskey, Larry and Terri says
The last time we were there, Sherry made us feel so welcome, even though she was ill, and we had a lot of fun and laughs together. Sherry is a beautiful soul, and I know in some way she will always be with you. Rick, you have our deepest sympathies and our prayers. We will keep in touch and hopefully see you soon.
Rachele Daniels says
What a blessing it was to have this amazing lady a part of my life for 34 years. She has brought so much joy to my life and every time I think of her I will smile remembering her beauty both inside and out. I love you and will truly miss you Sherrie.
Bonnie Semmen (Munce) says
I was so saddened to read the news of Sherrie’s passing today in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to know Sherrie. Sherrie and I both had the same Crimson colored Harley Davidson Softails back in the early nineties. I remember Sherrie being so friendly to everyone. I guess the old saying,The Good Die Young holds true for Sherrie. Sherry is now at rest in comfort and peace. My Deepest Sympathy to Rick and family, Bonnie Semmen (probably would remember me by my previous married name of Bonnie Munce)
Vada D Thomas says
I was saddened to learn of Sherries passing in the Argus Leader. Though the times I met her were not many her vivaciousness & warmth left a lasting impression. My deepest sympathy to my cousins Rick, Renee & Rachelle as well as the Gabel family. I hope to see you when you are back in Sioux Falls to celebrate her life. Blessings & Prayers. Vada
Tom & Mina Hall says
We are are very saddened to hear of Sherrie’s passing. She was a great lady and friend to all who knew her. Our prayers are with her, Rick, and family.
Shawn Phillips says
I have known Rick and Sherrie for a number of years working with them in our noble profession of funeral service. Sherrie was a true professional and cared about each and every grieving family she came in contact with. MANY MANY families are better off for knowing Sherrie Daniels,as I know I defintely am. Rick you know have a special place in my heart and our family. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shawn & Jody Phillips
Guy Youngblood says
Working with Sherrie was always a pleasure. Despite the challenges of her advancing illness, she always personified compassion to those she served. Her smile and dignity will be missed.
Karen Fredrickson says
Thinking about Sherrie brings a smile to me as I remember many happy times with the Shrine. The motorcycle rides in Arizona and get togethers at her home. They even tried to teach me to ride the motorcycle in their pasture – I did get it up and around a couple of times. My prayers and thoughts go to Rick and family. She was a beautiful lady – in and out!
Harley and Elaine Thompson says
Rick, we are so sorry to hear your wife passed away. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, and have our deepest sympathy. Harley and Elaine Thompson.