Sheryl L. Miller Obituary | Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care

The loving and courageous Sheryl Miller, lost her battle with brain cancer and passed away peacefully at age 51 on April 9 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, Iowa. She was surrounded by her loving family members, and was in no pain when she left us to be with God. Sheryl was born in Pella, Iowa, on July 8, 1964. She was the daughter of Robert and Marilyn Vander Waal.
Her childhood was filled with laughter and love. She grew up with her siblings Glenda, Brent and Brad. Sheryl was a teacher's aide at United Community School. Her love for the children she worked with was evident.
In high school, Sheryl developed a passion for golf that eventually blossomed into a pastime she continued for the rest of her life. Sheryl also spent countless summers in Ashland, Wis., fishing with her loving husband, Jim. Many of her friends' and family's happiest memories of Sheryl occurred on the golf course or in the fishing boat.
Among all Sheryl cherished, being a mother was undoubtedly her greatest joy. Sheryl's children Bryce (24), Janae (22) and DJ (Donald, 18) loved her, and when asked about their mother, will eagerly tell you she was the best mom in the world. They feel honored to be her children, and are thankful to have spent their lives creating wonderful memories with her.
Sheryl is survived by her husband, Jim Miller of Ames, Iowa; children, Bryce, Janae and DJ (Donald) of Ames, Iowa; parents Robert and Marilyn Vander Waal of Pella, Iowa; siblings, Glenda (Rob) Kretzinger of Johnston, Iowa; Brent (Esther) Vander Waal of Johnston, Iowa; Brad (Lesley) Vander Waal of Midland, Mich.; nieces and nephews Matt, Elise and Allison Kretzinger of Johnston, Iowa; Lewis and Lauren Vander Waal of Johnston, Iowa; Drew, Reed and Ruby Vander Waal of Midland, Mich. and countless friends who feel like family.
Sheryl was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lewis and Evelyn Van Wyke and Elmer and Helen Vander Waal; her step grandpa Ernest Boat and her nephew, Luke Kretzinger.
Please join us in celebrating her life on Thursday, April 14 from 4 PM - 7PM at the Grandon Funeral Home, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA
The service to celebrate her life will be held at the Oakwood Road Church on Friday, April 15 at 1 PM, 2400 Oakwood Road, Ames, IA (weather permitting)
Memorials may be directed to the Miller family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

BonsaiTreeGardener on Apr 20, 2016

T. Jay DiBacco on Apr 16, 2016

Candle Jim & family,
It is crushing to lose a loved one, especially at such a young age. Her time on this Earth was a blessing to many, and will always be cherished by those she touched while here. Sheryl is in a better place now, and I pray that you will concentrate on your wonderful memories with her from the time before cancer. She will always be in your hearts and minds, and that is its own blessing.

Andrew Lloyd on Apr 15, 2016

My name is Andrew Lloyd and I for a long time worked for Ames school, which is where I met Sheryl. Whether subbing for her or working with her at Kate Mitchell Elementary School, I got to know and love her pretty well. I was very saddened when I heard of her passing, but knew she had hard times these past years. She was always very kind to me and very fun to talk with. She made some of my fondest days at school even better ones. I even remember when I first started working at Beloit school in Ames where she also worked that she always looked out for me and showed me the ropes when I needed it. Gone but not forgotten a kind smile and a great nature about her, she was my friend. My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to the whole Miller family.

Sally Matters on Apr 14, 2016

Dear Jim and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of Sheryl's passing. I met her during her remission working at Ames High School events and found her to be so inspiring. She would share how proud she was of her children and she never let her health get in the way of her plans. She stayed positive and brave. Sending you all hugs and comfort.

Lynne Van Valin on Apr 13, 2016

I have such fond memories of Sheryl when she first moved to Ames before her children were born. She and my husband Rich shared a birthday but he was 25 years older! They had a wonderful party together. It is my belief that wherever they are, they will celebrate this coming July!

Marilyn VanderWaal on Apr 12, 2016

Glenda Kretzinger on Apr 12, 2016

Karen K. Popelka on Apr 12, 2016

Dear Jim and Family,
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Sheryl, only having met her a couple of times. My meeting you, Jim, coming out of Hy-Vee and seeing the sadness on your face as her cancer had returned. She endured her pain and discomforts like a real trooper. This cancer has to be eradicated. It takes so many great people from us. I hope that very soon you and your family will be able to sit around and tell stories that will bring warm smiles to you
face. I have no doubt there are many! May God Bless>

Katie Swalla on Apr 11, 2016

Dear Jim, Janae and family:
We were so sorry to hear about Sheryl. She was such a truly nice person. I will never forget how kind she was to me and to the twins on our trips to Ashland and to Canada. She handled her cancer journey with courage and grace. She was a brave, dear soul. We are sending comfort and love to all of you. Sincerely, The Swallas