"Sherry was always such a great person when talking on the phone and always accommodated when I would call out of state for orders. Always went the extra mile. I will miss talking with her! May you rest in peace Sherry!"
In loving memory of
Sherry Bertsch
May 2, 2020
Sherry L. Bertsch, 58, of rural Washington, IA, and owner of Country Charm Flowers and gifts in Mt. Pleasant, IA, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020, at her home as a result of a fire.
A celebration of life service for Sherry and Mike will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at the Wright Family Pavillion on the Old Threshers Grounds, with Pastor Jeff McPherron officiating. The families will greet friends following the service until 3:30 p.m. Private inurnment will be in Pattison Cemetery, rural Fairfield, IA. Gifts of love and friendship may be given to Pattison Cemetery or to the family, made payable to Sherrys sister, Tammie Haney, or Mikes brother, Kirk Shannan, to be used for a bench in Sherry and Mikes memory. Olson~Powell Memorial Chapel of Mt. Pleasant is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.
Born October 15, 1961, in Ottumwa, IA, Sherry Lynn was the daughter of James and Marilyn (Hutton) Bertsch. Growing up in Fairfield, IA, she was a 1980 graduate of Fairfield High School. Following high school, Sherry obtained a horticulture degree from Indian Hills Community College.
Sherry had a love of gardening and flowers, took that passion and opened her own business, Country Charm Flowers and Gifts in 1985. For the past 35 years Sherry was a beloved and active member of the Mt. Pleasant business community. Her customers became her friends, and she made them feel loved and cared for during their celebrations and sorrows. Her mother, Marilyn, worked with Sherry for many years.
Enjoying horses, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, antiquing, and a love of animals, Sherry had a special place in her heart for her dogs, Lucky, Casino, and Alex. She was truly one of lifes treasures, with an outgoing, friendly personality, and above all she was an amazing daughter, sister, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Sherry is survived by her father, James (Belinda) Bertsch of Denver, CO; two sisters, Janyce (Bob) Gray of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Tammie Haney of Fairfield, IA; two step-sisters, Katrina Baca and Misty Peterson, both of Denver, CO; along with nieces, Katlyn and Remi, and a nephew, Easton, all of Fairfield, IA.
Preceding Sherry in death was her mother, Marilyn Bertsch. Mike Shannan, Sherrys longtime partner, perished at the same time of Sherrys death.
A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others (L. Frank Baum) and Sherry was loved by many.
Tributes
"This is such sad news. Sherry was such a kind person. My memories are, when I was in grade school, I would stop in the shop and visit and get 1 flower to take to my mom at work. Most of the time Sherry wouldn't charge me for it.As I got older all my flower orders would go through Conuntry Charm. I would call and Sherry would answer the phone and when I was done with my order, she'd just ask, do you want this on your charge account? Not many would do that for a high schooler and that would be the same conversation today.When it came time for my wedding, of coarse she was my florist of choice for all my flowers. She as usual, did a wonderful job with everything she did.She will be greatly missed.Condolences to her family and close friends."
"I will truly miss Sherry and Mike both. She did my flowers for Years. Since the first day she opened. Along the way we became friends. She cared so much for people and she sure showed it. Sherry knew new well I didnt even have to tell her what I wanted she knew. She also knew me and my angels I collected with my mother. She would call me when she got new ones in too cause she knew Id love it!! She decorated my homes. Did a wonderfulJob at that. She even came and decorated my Christmas tree a couple years ago. She brought angels!!!!! I loved her and will miss her so much. As for Mike. He was sweet quite and kind I didnt know him as well as sherry but I really liked his kind heart too. You could tell he was a caring person thats why they were solemates. I still cannot believe theyre gone but they will never ever be forgotten by me and those that loved her. God bless you Sherry and Mike may you two Rest In Peace in gods arms."
"My condolences to Sherry's family. I was so saddened to hear about this tragedy. Haven't been in contact with Sherry for many years, but our friendship goes way back to elementary school."
"A Friend. I wanted to add something to my tribute to my Dear and Caring Friend, Sherry. The first time i walked by her beautiful flower shop and saw Irish angel in window was the first time I met Sherry. In time our Friendship grew. She was the kind of Friend who would always ask me how I was feeling with my bad asthma. She had a way just talking with her that made me feel better. She cared so much about people . She was a People person. She would always show me what she had gotten new in her beautiful shop. I love to design and decorate so i loved seeing her flower arrangements. I Loved the time Precious time I was Blest to spend with My Dear Caring Friend. Rest Well! Kathleen"
"I have also know Sherry for a long time. My husband, Tom Lynchard would always buy flowers from her. He gave me flowers ALL the time and then after he went to the nursing home I would go in to buy flowers for other people and she would always give me a carnation. She said she knew if anyone ordered flowers for me it HAD TO BE PURPLE and if I got flowers for anyone it HAD TO BE PURPLE. One time I asked for a yellow flower and she asked if I was alright. It was for a secret pal and I knew if it had purple on it they would know. We laughed about it. I was in her shop two days before she had to close to get a flower for two different ladies in the neighborhood. Her dog about ran her over trying to get to me, I said " Not getting enough attention, huh?" Sherry said NO, so I sat on the floor and played with the dog while she got my order. She gave me a hug and then gave me a carnation for myself. I am so sorry for her family and Mike's. A great loss to everyone."
"Sherry....was a dear friend and was a wonderful mentor as our daughter, Kathy, sought her degree in horticulture and floral design. She will be missed not only by the Mt. Pleasant area but the greater Southeast Iowa region as a dedicated florist, horse woman, and community supporter. Her artistic abilities with flowers and plants was amazing. She touched the hearts and lives of many, both young and old. May her family know how much our community will miss our Sherry of Country Charm Florists."
"I am a Friend! I feel so Blest to have known Sherry. She was a good and caring person and when I walked into her beautiful flower shop she greeted me with a smile on her face. Everytime I was uptown and would stop and we would have the nicest chat. I would always tell her how beautiful her windows looked. If she was working on arrangement she would show me. I bought my Irish Angels from her. My Heart is broken right now with the loss of my Good and Caring Friend. I share your loss with you. My Deepest Sympathy to her family. God Bless You at this difficult time. Kathleen"
"What a shock to hear. Sherry just delivered me a bouquet of roses a couple of days ago now to hear she has been taken home. Wonder, sweet person. She will be missed. Jane Messr"
"I have been going to Country Charm for years for all my flowers needs. Sherry was such a sweetheart always smiling & joyful. I will miss her & the shop. So sorry for the family. Janet Long Rippenkroeger"
"I am so very sorry to hear of Sherry and Mike's passing. I have known Sherry for such a long time. When she was working at the Garden Florist.And then when she started Country Charm. I was able to work with her at the busy times. Christmas, Valentines day and Mother's Day!! I would stop in to chat. She would alwasy stop what she was doing and listen. Or if it was a piece that had a deadline I would just stand there and watch her do what she loved to do!! I am very grateful for all she has done for me and my family. I will forever miss Sherry! She would always seem to know when I was needing my special color of rose. Yellow with red tips, and put them in a wrap with wax flowers and greens. No babies breathe. May God's peace be with you Tammy and Janice and the rest of the family. If you need anything call me 319 217 0146."