Sheryl Marie Dillon

December 20, 1944 ~
December 3, 2020

Sheryl Dillon, age 75, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 3, 2020. Sheryl was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her motto in life “Spread love wherever you go; let no one come to you without being happier” was felt by all those who interacted with her including family, friends, co-workers and residents that she cared for. She worked at Clark Retirement at Keller Lake for 23 years where the residents were considered part of her family. When she wasn’t working and caring for people, she would be found walking, riding her bike, or playing tennis. She will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Shelley and Jeff Pratt, Courtney and Kevin Merriss Prange, and Justin and Christi Merriss; grandchildren, Tanner and Amy Pratt, Nathan and Amelia Pratt, Olivia Merriss, and Hailey Merriss; great-grandchildren; Holden Pratt, and Raegan Pratt, and seven grand dogs, sister; Patricia Whittington, and several nieces and nephews. Private family funeral services will be held 2 pm Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Don Van Slyke officiating. You are welcome to join the family through live streaming of the service which can be viewed at www.mkdfuneralhome.com by clicking the “Live Streams and Recordings” link at the top right corner of the page. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday from 4-7 pm and from 1-2 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Due to gathering restrictions, there will be a limit on the number of people who may enter the building at a time. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter (https://www.alz.org) in honor of Sheryl Dillon.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 8 | 2:00pm

Funeral Service
Tuesday, December 8
2:00pm

MKD - Kentwood
4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
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Phone: (616) 455-1535

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 28, 2021

Shelly, Courtney, and Justin, Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother! I know how painful this can be, without the addition of this pandemic, which made it more difficult, and heartwrenching I'm sure. While I hate that we lost touch with Sherri, and you, she was thought of often, and will be missed. Thankful for the brief time we had together, and regret that it wasn't more. Please know that all of your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

- Mark and Julie Dillon

December 27, 2020

I am so sorry for the family. I to could not be there because my husband has Alzheimer's. My heart goes out to you all. Courtney I am glad my son Kevin was there with you. May your mom rest in peace Amen. She is not suffering .

- William and Christine Prange

December 26, 2020

Thank you for the live stream memorial tribute....it was lovely. She would be proud of her children. I am sorry that I had not had the opportunity to meet her at Court and Kevin's wedding. I know I would have loved her like family. My deepest sympathies to the family. May she rest in peace. Amen Aunt Patsy from Thorp, WI

- Pat Plewa

December 08, 2020

Shelley, Courtney, and Justin: Please know that you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother was a true blessing to those around her....growing up certainly would have been much different if us "neighborhood kids" didn't have her taking us on bike rides, playing in the backyard, or teaching us how to water ski. Such wonderful memories. As my young children grow, and we're playing catch, frisbee, or just riding bikes and scooters..... memories of those days often come to mind as well as the little lessons she left us. Her memory will always resonate with me.

- Erich Lemke

December 08, 2020

For those that were lucky enough to know her, they knew a fun-loving, caring, always on the go, tennis playing, bike riding, cross country skiing, adventure seeking person I was lucky enough to call Grandma. She always spoke lovingly of her work and residents. She always had stories from them about their lives and many of which were suffering the painstaking effects of memory health and the effects it has on an individual and their loved ones. She has taught me much about compassion through this and a multitude of other ways. This is the same person who taught me to be humble in success, and always work hard, to take your losses and learn from them. She was always proud of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She was always there when she could be, for me, and always talked about how well we did. My favorites recently though we're watching her play with my daughter and nephew. She had the quintessential Sheri smile, but my daughter's face lit up. From holding her, to chasing her around the yard, I will never forget that. I will not stop playing gram... Even if it's just for fun. Love you always.

- Tanner Pratt

December 08, 2020

Dear Shelly, Courtney, & Justin, please accept my deepest condolences. Your mother was such a wonderful woman, always smiling, and offering a warm welcoming hug. I treasure the memories I have of our years together as neighbors in Breton Village. She is most certainly among the angels in heaven, smiling upon you.

- Heather Bockheim

December 08, 2020

Thomas and Family Keeping you in our warmest thoughts as you navigate though this difficult time. May you and your family find peace and comfort. We're so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Mohamed and Tasha Esmaeal

- M Esmaeal

December 08, 2020

Please accept my deepest condolences. Sherrie was one of the most loving people I have ever met. She was like a second grandma to my kids and took them places that I never could take them at that time. She held them, loved them and read books to them. Her memory will live forever and she will be truly missed. We will cherish all the great moments and memories we have with her everyday. I know she will be looking from heaven down and smiling at us. Our guardian angel ❤️

- Mal Klino

December 08, 2020

Shelley, Courtney and Justin, There are so many fond memories I have of your mom as we were growing up. She always accepted me as if I was her own. I hope you feel comforted and loved by the great memories you all have made with your mom. I can’t imagine what you are coping with right now. “Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us everyday.”

- Nancy Lemke

December 07, 2020

She was an amazing friend and co worker.She was so athletic and and full of energy.I thought man how does she ride so many miles on her bike Im lucky to go one.She always asked about my family and we would share picture of my kids and her grand and great grandkids which she was so proud of.She always gave 100% and was kind to everyone.I will miss her but will never forget her and her genuine compassion for others.

- Katie Chamizo

December 06, 2020

I'm so glad you were able to come and see your Sister this summer, a memory I will cherish...never could have imagined it would be y'alls last visit with one another. Now the struggle is accepting you're gone, and my Mom (your sister) isn't in any shape to understand. If she were, she would be heartbroken to have lost her little Sister. You were always a ray of light, you smiled so big, and just chuckled every time I walked into a room to hug and say hello. So, we will love and miss you, we will care for your Sister until you both can again enjoy one another's company. Hopefully, at that time, the temperature will be perfect for both of you!

- Mark Whittington

December 06, 2020

Sheryl its hard to believe that you're not with us anymore. You will truly be missed. You was such a hard worker and you took really good care of your residents and they were so lucky to have you as their caregiver. I will the many breakfasts and lunches that we had together. Your friend Ellie

- Ellie Higgins

December 06, 2020

Sherrie was a fierce advocate for memory care residents. She loved each and ever one. Her passion and commitment was obvious every day. She will be missed by so many.

- Nancy Ayers

December 05, 2020

Dear Shelley, Courtney and Justin; You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers for the loss of your dear mother. I have many cherished memories of our years as neighbors in the Breton Village neighborhood. Your mother was the most kind, thoughtful, and generous neighbor to all.. She truly was a blessing to everyone. With deep and sincere sympathy, Mary

- MARY NOORDSIJ

December 05, 2020

Dear Courtney, I am so sorry for your loss. My memories of your mom are smiles and joy and ALWAYS active. It has been many years and yet when I think of your mom it always makes me smile. I am sending you and your family virtual hugs and want you to know that your mom was a gift and I feel blessed to have known her in my life.

- Heiki Cunningham

December 05, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Sherrie, as we called her. She was so kind and loving to her patients. I will miss her.

- Cynthia Walma

December 05, 2020

Dear Shelly, Courtney, Justin and extended family, Please accept our condolences with the loss of your mother. Our families had so much summer fun together waterskiing on Reeds Lake and playing backyard volleyball. Great memories of Sheryl we will always hold dear to our hearts. - Dave and Barb Bockheim "Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories."

- Dave & Barb Bockheim

December 04, 2020

I did not know Sheryl but I know her daughter, Courtney, and, if she was anything like her daughter, she must have been a very special person. My sincere sympathies to the entire family.

- Cindi Jablonski

December 04, 2020

Aunt Sheryl was an angel on earth to many. She will be missed dearly and but many wonderful memories for all to treasure. Your family will carry on the love you shared and the beautiful people they are because of you. Love you! 🥰🙏🏻😇

- Kelly Weber