Obituary: Sheryl Kay Neely

Sheryl Kay Neely of Las Vegas passed away on her 63rd birthday, October 23, 2023, at Mountain View Hospital Sheri was born on October 23, 1960 to Harland and Judy (Dumer) Herritz (now Judy Mainor), in Reedsburg, WI. Sheri attended St Peter’s Lutheran grade school and graduated from Webb High School in 1979.

In 1982 Sheri joined her sister Debbie & husband Bob, in Los Angeles CA, to be the nanny to her new nephew and godson, Nicholas. She also completed her college education while in LA and in 1984, she met Debbie’s coworker Jim Neely, at a company event. Jim & Sheri began their lifelong journey together and were married on March 26, 1988, in Simi Valley, CA, celebrating with several family members and friends.

Sheri was very artistic and loved her job as a Computer Graphic Artist in Burbank CA. It wasn’t long before Sheri & Jim welcomed their first beloved daughter Kaitlin, and just 14 months later, their sweet daughter Alexandra arrived. In September of 1998 Sheri and Jim had the opportunity to transfer to Las Vegas with GE Healthcare and they built their beautiful home in Summerlin.

Sheri was a woman of strong faith and they soon joined Mountain View Lutheran Church. She enjoyed countless volunteer hours at church, Girl Scouts, and at her daughters' schools, helping in the school library, the school office, and organizing school events.

In 2001 Sherry and Jim completed their family when their third beautiful daughter Saylor, was born in October, the day before Sheri’s birthday. Sheri was the best mom and their daughters were the absolute joy of her life. They spent countless hours participating in school events, dance, soccer and enjoyed a “little” shopping as well! She knew she was blessed to be an at-home mom and have this time with her girls.

Sheri and Jim spent the past 20 plus years raising their family, enjoying many wonderful vacation destinations with them, and sending them off to college. Sheri and Jim also enjoyed traveling the US, Mexico and Europe, and of course indulging in a little video poker in Vegas, where Sheri seemed to have a golden touch.

In February of 2021 Sherry found out that she had cancer and she took on that battle with the same optimistic passion that she had in all other aspects of her life. She never complained, and she truly believed that she and Jim would be travelling again, as soon as this battle was behind them. Sheri was ecstatic when they became grandparents to little Maxine in March 2023 . She spent countless hours on FaceTime with Kaitlin and Maxi getting to know her adorable little granddaughter.

Sadly, Sheri ultimately lost her battle with cancer. She lived her entire life with a focus on faith, family and love, and she will be dearly missed by all who loved her as well.

Sherry was preceded in death by her younger brother Timothy (Tiger) as well as her loving dad Harley and much-loved stepdad, Ray.

Sheri is survived by her husband of nearly 36 years, Jim, her daughters Kaitlin (Corey) Alexandra (Austin) and Saylor. She is also survived by her mother Judy, siblings Gary (Jill), Debbie (Bob), Cindy (Kevin), Dan (Deb). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, whom she also loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on February 17, 2024, at the Reedsburg Country Club, from Noon to 4p.m.