Sheryl McElravy, 67 of Townsend, MT passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2021 after a 6 year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loving family.
Sheryl was born to Dave H and Dorothy Damm Schledewitz in Williston ND on December 14, 1953. She spent her early years in Culbertson, MT. In January 1967 Sheryl moved with her family to Townsend, MT.
Sheryl graduated from Broadwater County High School in May, 1972 . In the fall of 1971, Sheryl found her future husband Clayton McElravy (classmate) of Townsend. In November of 1972, Sheryl married Clayton and they started their life together, a bond that would last until Sheryl’s untimely death.
She started her career at Blue Cross/Blue Shield in the fall 1972 and worked until the fall of 1975. In February 1976 the couple moved to Long Beach, CA with the U.S. Navy. In February 1977 in Long Beach CA their daughter Kristelle was born. In the fall of 1978, Sheryl returned to Montana and began a career at Mountain Bell Telephone Company where she worked until her job went to Denver, CO. In January of 1996, Sheryl started work with State of Montana, working at Department of Revenue, Department of Justice and finally with Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. In July of 2010, Sheryl retired from State Government and started a new life which included wintering in Yuma, AZ which she continued until her health brought her home to Montana.
Sheryl loved to travel with Clayton, family and friends. Travels included Disneyland (numerous times), Pittsburgh Steeler football games, Branson, MO, Nashville, TN and Knoxville, TN. Sheryl was an avid quilter and completed many quilts, wall hangings and table runners for family and friends. If she was not quilting, she would find other crafts to keep her mind and hands busy.
Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Dave Schledewitz, Dorothy Schledewitz; father-in-law, Leroy McElravy; mother-in-law, Emma McElravy; sisters-in-law, Carole Bratlien, Susan Mattson and nephew Jeff Mattson.
Sheryl is survived by her husband, Clayton McElravy of Townsend, MT; daughter, Kris (Shane) Schmaus, and their precious granddaughter, Ava Schmaus of Montana City, MT; brother, Clyde (Carol) Schledewitz Montana City, MT; sister, Arliss (Dave) Sakos of Rapid City, SD; brother-in-law, Blair Bratlien of Helena, MT and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Silver Springs Assisted Living, 35 Carroll Dr, Townsend MT 59644.
We would like to give special thanks to Dr Nowak, St Peters Medical Group, Dr Thomas, Bozeman Health, Dr Peterson, Billings Clinic, and the Hospice nurses and staff that helped in a great time of need.
A Memorial Service will be held in Helena at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home this Friday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m.
with a Reception to follow.
Memorial Service can be viewed below Live. The video will open 15 minutes prior to the start time of 10:00 a.m.
Ward and Sherry says
We have known of Sherry’s journey through our friend Alan Stanfill and have kept her in our prayers. We keep you all in our thoughts at this time.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Clayton, our thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to you and the rest of the family on the loss of your wife Sheryl 😢
Sally Russell says
Clayton and Ava(Shane) I am so sorry to hear about Sheryl. I hate to see you guys go through this sad time. My thoughts
and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. God Bless.
Holly Letcher says
Blessings of peace n comfort to you Clayton and family. So glad we met up with each other in Bear Creek. Her laughter will remain with me always.
Travis & Cheryl Smith says
Clayton and family we are so sorry to hear of Sheryl’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with you and Sheryl at the ball games and when we’d run into you in town over the years. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you. Sheryl will be missed!
Chris & DD Clearman says
Clayton, we are so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Jason & Ciara Hagadone says
Clayton,
Sheryl will certainly be missed. We are sending you our love and comfort during this difficult time.
Mary Spaulding says
Clayton,
I was so sorry to hear that you have lost Sheryl. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary
Donna Colby says
Thoughts and prayers Clayton and family. Sheryl was a wonderful person.
Denise Moudree says
Clayton, thinking of you and your family. So sorry to hear of Sheryl’s passing. I give thanks for the life the two of you shared. I’m in Oregon and won’t be able to be there for the memorial. I’ll try to watch online.
Judy and Leonard Ober says
Clayton
So sorry to hear about Sheryl. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Gretchen Hedge says
Clayton and family, where to begin. So very sorry to hear about Sheryl’s passing. What fond memories we have of working with her at Mountain Bell prior to our transfer to Denver in 1986. You guys were a young married couple just leaving the Navy when we first met you. Sheryl worked in HR and we loved listening to her stories of your friends, experiences and travels in those Navy days. After that what sticks in our memories is her delights of describing for us wonderful times at the Grand Olpry in Nashville, seeing her beloved Loretta Lynne and square dancing with her favorite guy, Clayton, while loving , beyond words, her beautiful little red headed daughter . What a unique and authentic sole she was. Our hearts go out to you and your family who loved Sheryl so much. She certainly touched our lives in an unforgettable way. May the good Lord bring you peace and comfort at this sad and difficult time. Bill and Gretchen Hedge
Tim Feldner says
Cheryl was my “right hand man” at FWP for many years. Her competence and good humor made my life easier for many years. She was a great lady and made my life not only easier, but much more enjoyable. My thoughts go out to Clay ton and Kris and the family that I know will miss Cheryl greatly.
Betty Warren says
Clayton and Family, I extend my sympathies to all of you. I shall miss Sheryl terribly. She was so loving, caring, and a good friend. I shall never forget the time she and you, Clayton, came to see Tom and I in Seattle when Tom was going through cancer treatment. You brought a large envelope of cash collected from FwP employees to help pay some of our living expenses. We were blessed immensely. Just like you two to travel out of your way to bless us. This is what I call a bittersweet time–sorry for Sheryl’s passing, but thankful she does not have to suffer any longer. My prayers and love to all.
Diane Tordale says
Clayton,
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you at this time.