Sherry Grimes Obituary

Sherry Lou Grimes, a beloved resident of Urbandale, peacefully passed away on August 23, 2024, at the age of 78, surrounded by family. Sherry was a woman of great strength, compassion, and love, who devoted her life to her family and her passions.

Sherry is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Reggie Grimes, with whom she shared a beautiful journey of 60 years. Together, they built a life filled with love and joy, raising their four children in Johnston: Kathy Meyer (Brian), David Grimes (Tammy), Debra Thompson (Chris), and Scott Grimes (Erin). She was also a proud grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Sherry was preceded in death by her father, Bert Cranston; her mother, Dorritt Cranston; and her brother, Mel Cranston. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Cranston, of North Liberty, Iowa.

Born and raised in Newton, Iowa, Sherry had a deep love for her hometown and cherished her memories of growing up on the Maytag Dairy Farm with her two brothers, Melvin and Edward. This included riding horses on the farm spending more time outside than in. She also enjoyed attending her class reunions every five years, never missing the chance to reconnect with old friends.

For over three decades, Sherry dedicated her career to Sears. She worked in sales and management at various Sears locations in Des Moines.

Sherry had a variety of interests that brought her great joy. She loved reading and listening to audiobooks. She had a passion for sewing, creating baby blankets, and making State Fair shirts for her grandchildren.
Sherry's love for life was evident also in her enthusiasm when tending to her garden in Johnston, cooking for her loved ones, and making each grandkid feel so individually special. Grandchildren loved her brownies and pumpkin pies. She also enjoyed spending fourteen years vacationing in South Padre Island, Texas, with Reggie at her side, where she created countless memories with their S.P.I. friends.

Sherry leaves us knowing that she gave every part of herself to her family. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and foremost her dedicated, supportive husband Reggie! She was in her element holding a great grandbaby, talking with a grandchild or sitting with one of her kids.

A celebration of Sherry's life will be held on Thursday, August 29th beginning at 11 am at St. Mary Nazareth Catholic Church. A burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Newton, Iowa at 3 pm. A visitation will be the night before on August 28th at Iles Westover Chapel from 5- 7 pm. Friends and family are invited to gather and share in the memories of a life well-lived.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Urbandale Healthcare Center for the compassionate care and comfort they provided to Sherry over the past three years. They also wish to express their deep gratitude to Suncrest Hospice for the additional support and care given during this challenging time.

Memorials may be directed to St. Vincent De Paul of St. Mary of Nazareth or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.IlesCares.com.

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