Submit a PhotoSheri Lea Petersen, age 61, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.
Sheri was born in Reno, Nevada on August 8, 1959, to parents Lestal and Shirley McClure. She was a 1978 graduate of Wooster High School in Reno. Sheri met her husband Bill in Reno and they were married on May 28, 1983.They lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho for several years before moving to Arizona in 1987.
She is survived by her husband Bill, children Cody (Angela) and Tawnya Toft (Steven), five grandchildren (Cole, Avery, Braxton, Brantley, and Brynlee), mother Shirley, sisters Shaun Hasty (Carl) and Sonya Campbell (Ryan), brother Ken, sister-in-law Jeanne (Larry), and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Lestal, sister Debbie, mother-in-law Marcella, father-in-law Chester, and brother-in-law Bob.
Sheri’s family was the most important part of her life. She was proud of her kids’ and grandkids’ many accomplishments. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Sheri brightened up any room she entered and never knew a stranger. She had a deep interest in getting to know others and would be found paces behind during outings, talking to any clerk or passerby. She and her family enjoyed long weekends at their vacation home in Pinetop. She found a new home there and gladly became a part of the local community.
In her early teens, Sheri was a talented fast-pitcher for Miss Softball America. She enjoyed refinishing antique furniture and caring for her collection of potted plants. Sheri and Bill could often be found at their property in Idaho, riding a tandem bike, and chasing their grandkids.
Whether you sent a card or flowers, sat quietly to think about Sheri, or simply spoke kind words, the family would like to thank you for your part.
Her memorial burial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 8 at the Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, Arizona.
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Don’t know what to say. Miss her so much!
Sheri was a beautiful person inside and out. The world will lose one of its special treasures. I will see you again my friend
Bill and family…..my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this duffucult time. I went to school with Sheri and we had reconnect over the years on FB…she was such sweet person. God Bless. Kris (Kogan) Cecchi
Great friend since grade school will miss her always loved her my love the family
You have been in Joe’s and my thoughts. We cherish the times spent with Sheri and you Bill. Love to you and the family.
I will miss talking and laughing with her. She was such a sweetheart.
Sorry for your loss. Will miss hearing the Happiness always in her voice when we talked.
Sheri was very easy to talk to. I was married to Bill’s brother Bob. I remember one vacation together at a Medieval Festival in Arizona. The sheriff of the mini town put Bill and Bob behind bars in jail for sassin back. What a fun time we had. Sheri and I got along really well and she helped me feel comfortable in the family by always being friendly and supportive. I will miss our phone conversations that kept us up to date with the family. But most of all I will miss her sweet voice and calming reassurance that things would be okay. You live on in my heart Sheri. May you rest in peace. God bless.
Beautiful tribute Thinking of you all
Sheri was such a bright light! Her sparkle never dimmed. We became more closely reconnected these last several years. I will miss her regular phone calls to me to just check in and say hello. She always lifted you up and made you laugh. I can still her say the phrase, ” Oh, bless your heart ❤ ”
She spoke of Bill and her grandchildren often, and her lovely Pinetop vacation home. I will miss her joy and love that she shared with everyone. ?❤
Such a beautiful soul went home too early. We have great memories of her. Loved her kindness, friendliness, and humor. Our condolences to Bill and family. We will miss her.
Our heart and prayers are with Bill and their family.
Sheri was such a bright light every where she went. She was so Happy and full of love for everyone especially her family. She would light up when speaking of her beloved husband, children and grand children whom she so cherished and adored. I will miss talking to her over coffee mornings in Pinetop and over a glass of wine evenings. May God be with her family and bring you comfort in the passing of this precious women. I look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Sherri, you were such a beautiful person inside and out. With the most beautiful I have ever known, Rest In Peace we will miss you.