Sherry Lee Lane

Sherry Lee Lane was called to God’s side early, at least, in our mortal eyes late October 20, 2020. Her abrupt absence creates an emptiness of spirit vitality and “busy bodiness” (in a good way) that will be felt by more people than we may realize. As a daughter, mother, grandmother, teacher, girl scout leader, passionate member of her faith, Independence history expert, in addition to a multitude of other roles she touched many, many lives. Her presence struck a balance of slightly annoying (in a loving way) mother hen, social butterfly, and staunch defender of tradition as it related to almost any situation. While she was a keen observer of possible encounters that would involve her picture being taken (so she could AVOID said situation) her smile was a subtle mix of a little shyness, kindness, and mostly generosity.

Sherry came into this world as the first child of Fay and Leroy Deatherage. Independence was the place of her birth and this city has been a source of pride and she never shied away from expressing that pride and quickly correcting in individuals (including poor historical tour guides) if they failed in their research and deigned to utter an incorrect fact. Her childhood included her share of adventures and childhood drama that involved her sole younger brother Carl.

Sherry married her first husband Bill Morrison in 1966 and brought two new souls into this universe. Her first child was Steven and to complete the pair she had a daughter Melanie. As you would imagine her children served as one of the cornerstones of her life and they were an ever-evolving source of joy, excitement, pride, frustration, sorrow, challenge and limitless happiness. As a mother she loved fiercely, tempered by an educated intelligence that shaped the family and environment she created for her loved ones.

Family came first which led to a short break from the second love of her life. Teaching. Her life was dedicated to education particularly conveying a love of reading to the children she touched. She had a flair for reading to an audience (including the voices) but she also loved reading for her own individual pleasure. Teaching led to the many of the connections that she created within a startling large network of people whose lives she touched.

Sherry loved marriage so much, she took the plunge again and in so doing found her proverbial soulmate. Sherry married William Steve Lane in 2004 which began an amazing journey that included the foundation of a rental empire, a globe trotting lifestyle, more teaching, a variety of community service, and the creation of her alter-ego “Sherry Stewart” Party planner extraordinaire! She LOVED parties in every form and fashion. She loved to plan parties. She loved to attend parties. She loved to drop in on parties. She loved to dream of parties. She just LOVED parties and for so many people this is how they connected with Sherry. The obsession with parties tended to “slightly” annoy family but Steve was such a good sport (either that or had an amazing game face) he was the perfect partner in the particular crime.

During the final chapters of her life journey she also became a grandmother, and this allowed her to reincarnate the instincts of motherhood and her singular connection to children that was one of the foundations of her life. Owen led off the line up with Lauren coming on deck soon after and Molly rounded out the team. Sherry found a new source of pride, slight obsession, boundless love and a dedicated class/den with her grandkids. This new pod of children allowed her to really capitalize on the loves of her life, reading, teaching, party planning, and generally imparting knowledge (whether it was specifically requested/required or not).

Sherry left us too soon. She had so many teachable moments left in her, parties to plan, parties to execute, tours to takeover, birthdays to drag her family to, Christmas’s in which to decorate, stuff to add to her overflowing closets, shelves, garage, and so on and so on….She leaves us with a tremendous sense of loss, that for those closest to her, will never be filled. But never fear. We can live in memories, we can re-tell her stories, we can rehearse her traditions, and in so doing we can honor her both in spirit and memory. If we do these things, we will never lose Sherry.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 2-4 pm at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. 4725 NE Lakewood Way. Lees Summit MO 64064.
If you would like to send a donation in lieu of flowers please send it to
AAUW (American Association of University Women)
In care of: Sue Shineman
718 N Forrest Ave.
Sugar Creek, MO 64054