Sheryl L. Miller

The loving and courageous Sheryl Miller, lost her battle with brain cancer and passed away peacefully at age 51 on April 9 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, Iowa. She was surrounded by her loving family members, and was in no pain when she left us to be with God. Sheryl was born in Pella, Iowa, on July 8, 1964. She was the daughter of Robert and Marilyn Vander Waal. Her childhood was filled with laughter and love. She grew up with her siblings Glenda, Brent and Brad. Sheryl was a teacher's aide at United Community School. Her love for the children she worked with was evident. In high school, Sheryl developed a passion for golf that eventually blossomed into a pastime she continued for the rest of her life. Sheryl also spent countless summers in Ashland, Wis., fishing with her loving husband, Jim. Many of her friends' and family's happiest memories of Sheryl occurred on the golf course or in the fishing boat. Among all Sheryl cherished, being a mother was undoubtedly her greatest joy. Sheryl's children Bryce (24), Janae (22) and DJ (Donald, 18) loved her, and when asked about their mother, will eagerly tell you she was the best mom in the world. They feel honored to be...[more]

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r children, and are thankful to have spent their lives creating wonderful memories with her. Sheryl is survived by her husband, Jim Miller of Ames, Iowa; children, Bryce, Janae and DJ (Donald) of Ames, Iowa; parents Robert and Marilyn Vander Waal of Pella, Iowa; siblings, Glenda (Rob) Kretzinger of Johnston, Iowa; Brent (Esther) Vander Waal of Johnston, Iowa; Brad (Lesley) Vander Waal of Midland, Mich.; nieces and nephews Matt, Elise and Allison Kretzinger of Johnston, Iowa; Lewis and Lauren Vander Waal of Johnston, Iowa; Drew, Reed and Ruby Vander Waal of Midland, Mich. and countless friends who feel like family. Sheryl was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lewis and Evelyn Van Wyke and Elmer and Helen Vander Waal; her step grandpa Ernest Boat and her nephew, Luke Kretzinger. Please join us in celebrating her life on Thursday, April 14 from 4 PM - 7PM at the Grandon Funeral Home, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA The service to celebrate her life will be held at the Oakwood Road Church on Friday, April 15 at 1 PM, 2400 Oakwood Road, Ames, IA (weather permitting) Memorials may be directed to the Miller family. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com