Sherry Vander Berg

A gracious lady with a never ending smile, Sherry Vander Berg was a lovely woman filled with joy. Sherry always had a kind word for those around her, and her uplifting and encouraging nature was a welcome addition to anyone who came her way. With ways all her own, Sherry accepted others lovingly, and included those around her with grace. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved her.

The decade of the 1920s was a time of mixed blessings in our nation’s history. New innovations and a forward thinking mindset paved the way during the infamous Roaring Twenties. As gangster Al Capone was at the height of power, Ford implemented the first, 40-hour workweek. U.S. Route 66 was established, and beloved, Winnie-the-Pooh made his wonderful debut to the delight of children everywhere. For Carroll A. and Lula B. (Crosby) De Volld of Cambridge, Ohio, nothing could have brought them more joy than the May 8, 1926 birth of their little girl, Charlotte “Sherry” Maxine De Volld.

The oldest of five children, Sherry grew up alongside her younger siblings, Juanita “Joan”, Margery, John, and Eileen in their family home at 1212 Gomber Avenue. Her father was a farmer, sold insurance and also had a candy route. As a homemaker, Sherry’s mother also worked as a clerk at Montgomery Wards. Close to her family, Sherry enjoyed a typical childhood of the times. From a young age she portrayed a talented side which only blossomed as she grew older.

Sherry cherished fond memories of big family dinners during the holidays and exchanging gifts. With her thoughtful nature, Sherry always took care in selecting the perfect treasure for those she held dear her whole life through. Although vacations were not as common during her formative years due to the Great Depression, she often recalled fun times playing board games with family and a memorable trip with them and her Aunt Ada to Niagara Falls. She especially loved memories of visiting her grandfather’s peacock farm and staying at the cabin.

With her outgoing ways and social demeanor, Sherry was a friend to many. Known as Charlotte, Char, and most often, Sherry, she attended the area schools where she was quite involved in drama and choir before graduating in 1944. Having grown into a beautiful young woman with flowing locks of black hair, Sherry spent her Saturdays modeling dresses at the Style Center, and was known as the girl with “the body”. She loved to dance, especially the jitterbug. Sherry could also play the piano and had quite a singing voice, too. She not only wrote poetry and songs, but even sang for World War II officers at a club in Cambridge, Ohio. Quite a gal, anyone who came to know Sherry was blessed by her delightful nature.

Before long, Sherry found love in the arms of Harry Lanting at the officer’s club. On March 18, 1946 they exchanged vows of marriage and together shared the birth of their son, Gary. Harry supported his family as an x-ray technician and sold real estate on the side. Sherry made a good home for her family and remained at home with her young son who was disabled, selflessly devoting her time to his care. When Sherry lived in Ohio, she was a member of the Presbyterian faith, but once in Michigan with Harry, they later became members of Grandville Christian Reformed Church. Although her marriage to Harry eventually came to an end in 1962, she was grateful for the son they shared from their union.

Sherry worked hard and traveled between Michigan and Ohio seeking a new direction in life. Eventually she met and married a handsome soldier named Kenyon Vance who swept Sherry off her feet. Deeply in love, they married in 1974. They made their home in Grand Rapids, Michigan where Kenyon supported his new family selling casualty insurance. Sadly, he died in 1980.

With many good friends, Sherry excelled in her social life. She absolutely loved to cook and entertain, and did so often. She had just the right touch to everything she put her heart into. With a class all her own, Sherry did everything with style. When dining out, Sayfee’s Restaurant was her favorite place, and she loved French cuisine.

Through mutual friends, Sherry met and married her true life’s companion, Alfred Vander Berg. Al worked as a cement contractor, and for many years, Sherry worked part-time at Bride’s World as a receptionist. With her knack for conversation, flair for proper etiquette, and being a true romantic at heart, this position was quite fitting for Sherry. She loved working with people and was great with the public.

Sherry and Al shared much in common and had many of the same interests. They kept a beautiful home together where Sherry loved decorating and reveled working in her gardens. She was a great gardener and grew the best array of roses. They opened their home to many throughout the years where good times were had by all. After 20 years by each other’s side, Sherry’s beloved Al died in 2000.

Remaining in Grand Rapids, Sherry kept in contact with her siblings throughout the years, but distance separated their families. She continued to hold close meaningful friendships which were priceless to her. Over the years, Sherry experienced wonderful travels to exciting destinations such as Alaska, Europe, Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, England, and to Mexico. She also traveled quite a bit within the U.S. and to Canada. Jane Eyer was her all-time, favorite book, and she loved listening to all the love songs from the 1930s, 1940s and into the 1950s. These things combined along with her affection for poetry writing was a reflection of Sherry’s love of romance and the finer things that life have to offer.

Sherry Vander Berg’s personality was like a bright, sunny day. Her elegance and glamorous presence was befitting for a woman of substance such as Sherry. She carried herself with grace, and would befriend anyone. Caring and loving, Sherry shared her heart and smile, as well as musical talents with unending dedication. Always a lady, there was no one quite like Sherry, and for these things and so much more, her memory lives on in the lives of those she touched with ways all her own.

Life’s Journey - Sherry Vander Berg - May 1, 1960

If only we knew which road to take

As we journey along though life;

It isn’t an easy decision to make

With a life full of burden and strife.

There are paths which will lead to destruction

And these we shall pass on our way,

For we know from an early instruction

That this kind of life doesn’t pay.

There are cross roads where we stop and pause,

Not sure just what to do,

For each of us has a goal or a cause

To reach for our whole life through.

We are searching for happiness always

Still hoping to find in the end,

A road leading onward to happy days

Somewhere just ‘round the bend.

So let us have faith in tomorrow,

Look for signs that will show us the way,

To a life that is not full of sorrow,

But instead filled with joy every day.

At the age of 88, Charlotte “Sherry” Vander Berg passed away on Monday, June 2, 2014. Sherry was preceded in death by her husbands, Kenyon Vance and Alfred Vander Berg. She is survived by her son, Gary Lanting; brother, John De Volld; sisters, Marge Stover and Joan Custer; nieces and nephews; and close friends, Angie Joy, Pauline Lanting, and Carol Van Duyn. A service to celebrate Sherry’s life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 at 11:00 AM. Visitation with Sherry’s friends and relatives will be on Friday from 10:00AM until the time of the service. To read more about Sherry’s life, to share a favorite memory and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.