"Sherry was my counselor at RSAC in 1989. She was instrumental in motivating me to take an honest look at myself and my actions. She played a big part in changing my life. I will never forget her and will always be grateful. I've now been sober for over 36 years. Peace. Love. Live Long and Prosper."
In loving memory of
Sherry Bradley
April 26, 1942 - April 7, 2025
Sharon (Sherry) Kay Young Bradley passed away on April 7, 2025, at her home after a long battle with COPD and related illnesses.
Sherry was born on April 26, 1942, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Charles and Mary Young. She spent most of her youth in Ames, Iowa, graduating from Ames High School in 1960. She was employed by Ames radio and television stations, KASI and WOI-TV, as a copywriter and on-air. After furthering her education by graduating from Park College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995, and completing the Addiction Counselor Training Program at Powell III in Des Moines, obtained her licenses and certificates with the State of Iowa and internationally in social work and alcohol and drug counseling. She worked at Center for Personal Development in Ames as a counselor for dual diagnosis patients, the Regional Substance Abuse Center in Ames as an alcohol and drug counselor, clinical supervisor, and center director, and at Community and Family Resources as a clinical supervisor. She retired in 2009.
After retirement, Sherry served on the Boards of Directors for the American Red Cross, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Ames Public Library, and Unity Church of Ames. She belonged to many organizations including the Arbor Day Foundation, the Democratic Party, and the Ames Women's Club. For many years, Sherry enjoyed acting in the Unity Readers Theatre cast, performing for the elderly in Assisted Living and senior care around the area. She also performed in the Ames Senior Variety Show, and Clark Ford's "Laugh Out Loud" shows.
She is survived by her son, David (Teresa Dale) Bradley; sister, Robbie (Jerry) Madden; brother, Lon (Judy)Young; grandchildren, Andrew Bradley and Levi (Fabiola) Davis; great-grandchildren, Elijah, Olivia, and Leo Davis, as well as, much-loved nieces and nephews, Blake, Tracy, Todd, Rich, Jessica, Ben, their families and her long-time special friend, Stuart. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Jeanette "Judy" Kegley.
Visitation will be Noon - 2:00 p.m. Monday April 14, 2025, at Grandon Funeral, and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way Ames, with a 2:00 p.m. funeral service, with Kathleen Verigin and Clark Ford officiating. The burial will be in the Ames Municipal Cemetery alongside other family members.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Red Cross.
Tributes
"I first met this amazing woman when I was 18, she 27, both working at KASI-Radio in Ames. I thought she was a goddess. A real, live feminist. I learned so much from her about being a woman. Standing my ground. How not to settle. We remained friends for 56 years. Can't remember a visit with family in Ames without seeing Sherry. Next visit will be very different, as I will visit her at the cemetery. We often went their together, both honoring our moms, both named Mary. I know her spirit is soaring, having dropped the container that caused so much pain and anguish. We had an agreement that, when she passed, she would come to me as a BLUE BUTTERLY. Watch, as she'll be visiting all of us. "
"I always tell people Sherry was the first boss I ever loved to work for. She left a permanent mark of kindness, understanding, and direction on my life. She will always remain in my heart. Will miss you, Sherry!"
"Will miss your fun spirit and beautiful smile. -- Liz Collazo, UCOA Administrative Assistant"
"Sherry was a very caring and generous woman who gave so much to all who knew her. Condolences to her family."
"Sherry was very dear to all of us at Unity Church of Ames. She was and is a bright light and we cherish our memories of her. Godspeed, dear one! Rev. Deb Hill-Davis, Unity of Ames"