Claramae Sherry

Sherry, Claramae

McFarland - Claramae Lynnette Hankins Sherry, age 71, of McFarland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2008, at UW Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Dedicated to her family, she was an inspiration to all for her devout faith, generosity, courage and the strength she displayed in her struggle with asthma and subsequent health issues. Claramae was born to Carroll and Leola Jake' Hankins in Readstown, WI, on her mother's birthday, August 10, 1937. Nicknamed John' by her Granddad she grew up as a tomboy, riding her horse everywhere she wanted to go. At Readstown High School she enjoyed playing in the marching band. She also met her future husband, Earl and the young couple was chosen Homecoming King and Queen. They were united in marriage on September 25, 1954, and Earl started driving semi for her family's trucking business, Hankins Truck Line. In 1962 our family moved to McFarland, where she quickly developed many friendships that she would cherish the rest of her life. Mom began her bus driving career in McFarland where for 18 years she drove school bus. In 1982 she began working as a city bus driver for Madison Metro and worked there for 26 years until her retirement this year. She touched the lives of many students and passengers throughout her career, from all the extra-curricular trips for athletics, drama and field trips, to her regular routes for school and in Madison. She loved her job and the interactions with all the many people that boarded her bus. Claramae was a dedicated wife, loving mother, grandmother and a dear friend to many. Her family was the most important part of her life; the special bond she shared with her parents and siblings was evident in all the family gatherings over the years. She especially loved her grandkids, Carlos, Katie and Kayla. She called Carlos her ""birthday present"" since he was born on hers and her mother's birthday. She was involved in their lives and enjoyed watching them in their activities. A favorite activity was having them over to her house to help stir up a batch of cookies, a cake or eat frosting! Claramae was actively involved in supporting her children and grandchildren. She was at all our concerts, plays and sporting events. She enjoyed meeting and learning about people, especially through AFS, where she served as the Chapter President and District Coordinator. She welcomed many foreign students into our home, which was always ""home away from home"", especially for Jurgen (Austria), Alison (New Zealand), Anni (Greece) and Angela (Venezuela) to whom she will always be ""Mom"". Claramae always had a love for travel, from her first trip with her dad in the semi to her more recent cruises in the Gulf. She loved to camp and her family spent many summers camping in Wisconsin and in trips to Colorado, Wyoming, and Florida. As a Badger fan, she followed the Badgers to football games in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Alabama and Florida to cheer them on. She visited friends and explored as she traveled throughout Europe; also visiting China, New Zealand, Japan, Venezuela, with a favorite being England. More recently she favored cruises to Alaska and Mexico and visiting her sisters in Arizona. An incredibly caring and generous person she was always ready to lend a helping hand. As a member of McFarland Lutheran Church she demonstrated her faith by assisting with Luther League, teaching Sunday School, serving on the Altar Guild and other committees. She was one of the first women elected to the Church Council, serving as secretary. Her bible study group, the Elizabeth Circle, held many bake sales over the years to support the McFarland Food Pantry. For many years she assisted with the Sunday morning coffee when services were held in the old church. Several years after the new building was remodeled she was instrumental in restarting the Sunday Morning Coffee Hour where her famous cakes, bars and cookies were a regular treat. Cooking and baking were an essential part of Claramae's life, especially for family gatherings. She was always searching for new recipes to try yet would always whip up a family favorite when asked. Known by many as the ""cake lady"" for her delicious cakes, she showed her generosity by donating them to many causes . Her wedding cakes were legendary and quite spectacular. Claramae's giving spirit led her to organize the first blood drive at McFarland Lutheran Church in 1998, in response to her grand nephew Bradley Hettinger's urgent needs. For the past 10 years she has continued to coordinate this annual event for the American Red Cross and encouraging people to give the gift of life. Other interests included collecting owls, bone china, making macrame hangers to give to family and friends, sewing, gardening, bowling, square dancing, riding her bicycle and motorcycle. She was a member of the Honda Gold Wing Road Rider Association and traveled with them for many trips. Claramae loved her dogs, most recently 'Bonnie' and 'Clyde'.  At Madison Metro she was also a member of the Social Committee and enjoyed planning the employee's yearly activities. She loved to attend the Concerts on the Square and welcomed all who passed by to stop and share her bountiful treats. Her family includes her four children, Myron Sherry of McFarland, Rick (Jolene) Sherry of Madison, Sandra Sherry of McFarland, and Paul Sherry of Chicago, and their father, Earl Sherry of Madison. She was a devoted Grandma to Carlos Marrero, Katie Potts and Kayla Potts. Her surviving siblings include Vivian (Lavon) Guist of Readstown, Shirley (Sigurd) Sherry of Mansfield, Texas, Rosemary (Orland) Aspenson of Rockford, IL, AndyBill (Rhonda) Hankins of Lodi, Vern (June) Lawton of Yuma, Arizona, her aunt Glida Hankins of Readstown, brothers-in-law Tommy (Marge) Sherry of Readstown, Don Motzer of Chicago, sisters-in-law Ruth Sherry of Spring Grove, MN, Mabel Sherry of Viroqua, and Janet Schipper of Viroqua, son-in-law Sergio (Amy) Marrero of Madison. She will be fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Our mother was a dear friend to many in her life and they brought her much comfort, especially Carolyn, Joyce, Thelma, Gayle, Carole and the members of the Elizabeth Circle. Claramae was preceded in death by her parents, Carroll and Leola, a sister, Carolyn Sherry, an infant brother, Carroll Jr., her step-father Clarence Lawton, her father-in-law Albert Sherry and mother-in-law Verl Sherry, both of Viroqua, and brothers-in-law Sanford Sherry, Arnie Sherry, Roger Hammond, and Jim Schipper, and very special sisters-in-law Grace Hammond and Ingrid Motzer.

Our family would especially like to thank all the caring and compassionate staff of the UW Hospital and Clinics who took care of mom in her many hospital stays. Sincere and special thanks to Dr. William W. Busse and Mary Love-Patton, RN, MSN, APNP, of the Allergy Clinic and her primary physician, Dr. Bruce Slater. Mom faced her health struggles with strength and determination, and a strong will to survive. Thanks also to UW Home Health and their caring staff for helping Mom to continue living at home in her final months. Memorials may be given to the McFarland Lutheran Church or the Badger Chapter of the American Red Cross. Visitation will be at the MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Rd., on Friday, November 28, 2008 from 4-7pm and on Saturday, November 29^th from 10-11am. A funeral service celebrating Claramae's life will follow at 11:00am with the Reverend Jeffrey Tomberlin officiating. Graveside service and burial will be in the Readstown Cemetery on Sunday, November 30^th at 2:00pm, with a luncheon preceding at 1:00pm in the Advancement Association building in Readstown, Wisconsin.

 

 

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