Sherry Rankin

The gifts we leave behind are not always seen with our eyes. Sometimes they cannot be counted and deposited, and are not riches accumulated over a lifetime. They are matters of the heart which are forever cherished, and where love is what we remember most. Always giving and continually sacrificing, Sherry Rankin leaves behind a wealth of treasures for the family she so dearly loved.

Sherry's story began at a time when life in America was booming with industry and manufacturing. The American dream was being realized as families moved into newly developed suburbs, and where the new ‘59 Chevy Station Wagon was all the rage. As tensions grew overseas with talk of impending war, Richard and Shirley (Whitman) Rankin of Flint, Michigan had much to be thankful for. On September 24, 1959, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Sherry Lynn.

Joining her older sister, Deborah, Sherry later welcomed younger siblings, Vicky, Bonnie, Diana, and her brother, James. An easy and good natured baby, she grew to have a typical childhood for the times all while enjoying neighborhood friendships and adventures. She was close to her parents and shared a very special bond with her father.

Sherry attended the local schools, and although she left high school before graduating, she later made the commitment to receive her GED. In her late teens, Sherry counted the day she was blessed with the birth of her daughter, Jennifer as one of the greatest days of her life. She was very proud of her little girl and together they shared a close bond.

Always considered a really cool mom, Jenny's high school friends loved coming over to their house. When Jenny brought a young man named Carlos Pulido home for dinner, he too could hardly believe Sherry was Jenny's mom. Always young looking and loads of fun, everyone enjoyed Sherry's welcome company. She was a very caring woman and naturally gravitated towards young people. Her open arms and help towards them was simply a part of her nature.

A well loved and valuable employee, Sherry worked for Twin City Optical in Traverse City. As the mailroom clerk, she was responsible for readying the packages for local and international deliveries, and her outgoing personality always brightened the days of her local deliveries to area eye doctors. She had a way of connecting with people, so it was only natural that she became close to her work family, as well. Over the years Sherry thoroughly enjoyed boating with her family. She made several trips to Flint each year to help her mother, but her time was limited with the responsibility of raising her young grand-children.

The light of her life, Sherry loved raising her grandchildren, Esperanza, Mariano, Alejandra, and Julian, all of which lovingly referred to her as, mom. Her youngest grandson, Julian was born prematurely with cerebral palsy. Sherry brought him home from the hospital, and though he wasn't supposed to live long, Sherry saw to it that he had the love and nurturing he needed, and now he is a loving ten year old boy.

Sherry opened her heart and home to one additional person. Carlos, the father of her grandchildren, who had some hard times in life. Sherry stepped up and helped him become a better father and man. She gave him the opportunity to be involved in his children's lives, and he was more than willing. They soon became a family unit, and while Sherry worked, he took care of the home front. It worked well for Sherry, and she especially loved coming home to a cooked meal. Things went along smoothly, except for little things, like when Sherry's warm milk always left a ring in the cup from the microwave, and Carlos always had to work hard at getting that cup clean!

Although Sherry wasn't too happy when Carlos brought home a blue nose pit bull pup, she agreed to keeping him, but insisted he stay outside, in the kennel. They named him Chino, and Sherry fell in love with the little guy. Needless to say, he ended up becoming a well loved, indoor house pet. She even went out and bought him a very expensive dog bed, and by the end of the day, Chino had eaten and literally destroyed it! Throughout the days of her illness, Chino never left Sherry's side.

Sherry loved music and enjoyed dancing around with her family. Although she sometimes embarrassed her grandkids with her funny dancing and outrageous moves, she simply liked making fun times. The holidays, especially Christmas, were Sherry's favorite times of year. She always put on a big spread for the holidays, and especially spoiled her grandchildren. Like a kid herself, she enjoyed getting a little spoiled in return.

When Sherry purchased her first home, it was truly a proud moment for her. Sherry thought It needed a lot of work, so she jumped right in with plans for reconstruction and renovation, and a long list of things for Carlos to accomplish. Worried about Julian when it came to the sharp wall corners, she made Carlos replace them with round ones so he wouldn't get hurt. That house doesn't have one sharp wall corner. She loved color and chose browns and blues for the walls. Black and white were her favorite colors.

Sherry liked a well organized home. It was her sanctuary, and she preferred having a place for everything. She took pride in her lawn, and worked hard planting flowers. She especially loved the wooden log she had carefully placed which grew a multitude of thriving hens and chicks plants. When Sherry was diagnosed with ovarian cancer about five months ago, she opted for one treatment of chemotherapy, but it did not help. After being hospitalized for a time, she returned home to find her plants in need of dire care. She cared for them, and soon they were once again thriving. She adamantly told Carlos he had better not kill her plants, especially after she was gone.

With the inevitable within sight, Sherry did what she could to make life for her family enjoyable. It was important for Sherry to be with her grandchildren on a fun-filled trip to Cedar Point, and several weeks prior to her death she accomplished just that. She rested in their hotel room while everyone played, and loved hearing about the fun and excitement of the day in her grandkid's gleeful hearts. Sherry also wanted to provide for the grandchildren she dearly loved. Before her death, she put several things in place to ensure they would never have to leave their home and would always be well provided for.

A woman who was always on the run, her illness changed much, but she continued to be a loving and beautiful person. Sherry was happy with life, especially with her grand-children by her side. They were her heart's treasure and all she lived for. She leaves a multitude of gifts for those she held close, and will always remain a treasure in the hearts of those entrusted to her care.

At the age of 52, Sherry Lynn Rankin, of Traverse City, formerly of Flint, sadly died Friday, September 30, 2011. She is survived by her mother, Shirley Rankin of Flint; daughter, Jennifer Rankin of Memphis, Tennessee; her grandchildren, which they call mom, the loves of her life, Esperanza Pulido, Mariano Pulido, Alejandra Pulido and Julian Rankin; sisters, Debbie, Vicky, Bonnie and Diana; her grandchildren's father, Carlos Pulido; and loving dog, Chino. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Rankin and brother, James.

An informal gathering will be held from 4-7 PM Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City. Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Munson Regional Healthcare Foundation-Women's Cancer Fund, 201 Beaumont Place, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Her family wishes to convey the Munson Hospice staff for the great care of Sherry and her family during their time of need. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share memories and photos of Sherry and to sign her online guest book.