Sheryl Lynn Elder

Sheryl Lynn Elder, 62, Topeka, Kansas, went to meet her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 22, 2018. She was born April 19, 1956, in Salina, Kansas. Sheryl attended Kindergarten in Salina before her family moved to Junction City, Kansas. She attended public schools at Lincoln Elementary, Junior High and High School, graduating in 1974. Jesus became her personal Savior in high school, where she devoted the rest of her life to Him. Her journey started when she began teaching in the church nursery. Through the encouragement of two high school teachers, Miss Clutter and Mrs. Denison, Sheryl enrolled at Kansas State University in the fall of 1974. Her field of study was Early Childhood Education. Sheryl and Connie were roommates at Moore Hall from 1974-1976. Sheryl married Roderic on July 24, 1976, at First United Methodist Church in Junction City, and then took up residence at Jardine Terrace Married Student housing at K-State while finishing their studies. In the spring of 1978 she graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After Sheryl graduated from K-State, they moved to Harlingen, Texas, for about a year where she taught at a local daycare center. They moved to Salina where she taught at Whittier and Sunset preschools. After giving birth to her first son, Lance, in 1983, she began her favorite time in her adult life, by being a full time stay at home mom. She continued on this happy journey when her second son, Jordan, was born in 1987. In spring of 1993, God began the process of making beauty out of ashes, when Sheryl interviewed and was hired by Prince of Peace Preschool in Topeka, Kansas. Sheryl especially enjoyed studying God’s word at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene in her Sunday school class and her small group Bible study that met at the home of Rick and Melody for over 12 years. God encouraged her heart by bringing her from a place of sadness, disappointment, questions and uncertainty to one that was purposeful and love filled through her interactions with young children. Over the years at Prince of Peace Preschool, Sheryl had been blessed to work with many wonderful team teachers. Her most current team teacher, Cindy, had been a tremendous blessing both professionally and personally. They both loved to sparkle and shine as they planted seeds of faith as well as nurturing young children in their growth and development. In 2002, Sheryl began working a part time job at Weight Watchers, where she enjoyed encouraging and helping others on their journey to a more healthful lifestyle. Sheryl has had over a year of wonderful memories with her fiancé, Rodney, who was the love of her life. Besides loving to teach young children, she found complete joy in spending time with her grandchildren who they called Grandmom. Sheryl loved taking them to the library, zoo, riding the train, the carousel in Gage Park and going to the Discovery Center. They also enjoyed bike rides, swimming, playing games and catching fireflies. They liked having sleepovers with hot chocolate, bacon and bubble bread. Sheryl also loved sharing her faith with them, taking them to church and reading Bible stores. They loved singing songs and being silly together. Sheryl had some wonderful trips to NW Montana with Rick and Melody, where she enjoyed kayaking, rock hunting and four-wheeling in the mountains. Sheryl was so thankful and blessed to have her sister, Pam, and Melody care for her during her illness. A day never went by that one or both of them weren’t lovingly caring for her. As most of you know, Sheryl loved the color red, and would love it if you wore red or a bright color to her celebration of life. Sheryl is survived by her sons, Lance and Jordan; daughter of her heart and mother of her grandchildren, Sarah; four grandchildren, Caden, Cameron, Cora and Elaina; sister, Pamela (Ron); brother, Sean; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; fiancé, Rodney. Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Celebration of Sheryl’s Life will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka KS 66614. Burial to follow in the Czech Moravian Cemetery, NW 94th Street, Rossville KS 66533. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Preschool, Prince of Peace Church or Wanamaker Woods Church of The Nazarene, sent in care of the funeral home.

Sheryl Lynn Elder

April 19, 1956 - June 22, 2018