Sherry Grimes

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Sherry Lynn Henley Grimes, 65, beloved wife, of Ponca City passed away on September 29, 2026.

She was born in Pawhuska to Jackie and Charlie Henley in July of 1961. Sherry spent her young life growing up on an active farm on the outskirts of Pawhuska.

Medical complications dictated the last 15 years of her life, including recovery and rehabilitation stays at Shawn Manor Nursing Facility. Sherry passed quietly at home in the presence of her loved ones. She was truly blessed with her nursing companions from ACG Hospice in her last days.

Raised on a farm, Sherry was allowed some flexibility in her childhood and teenage years. In junior high and high school, she enjoyed her academics, playing the slide trombone and participating with the marching band. When summertime arrived, she enjoyed the sun and spending time at the lake with family and friends. Responsibilities and routine chores in addition to helping with the cattle were also expected. This ingrained a strong work ethic and Sherry developed abilities and skills that would benefit her greatly in her adult life.

Sherry enrolled at OSU following graduation from Pawhuska High School in 1979. She graduated with a BS in Psychology in 1985, with aspirations of pursuing further educational opportunities. This included initiating a Master's Program, and she was accepted to the Physical/Occupational Therapy program. During her undergraduate years, Sherry was employed in the OSU Business Office, working specifically with the director of purchasing. She became very adept and developed in-depth knowledge in the legal aspects of business procedures.

Sherry married Michael in May 1986, after meeting at OSU, and together they made their home in Ponca City. She was employed as a secretary for 30 years with the Ponca City School System, initially beginning her career working at the Board of Education. She spent the last 25 years at the High School working in various office capacities with a multitude of administrators. Sherry truly cherished her secretarial friends, developing lasting relationships. She retired in 2020 due to medical complications.

Those who knew Sherry will remember her gentleness, generosity, and competency. She was blessed with an extensive family, at one time consisting of six uncles and nine aunts, not including the multiple cousins that resulted in many lifelong interactions.

Sherry had a true passion for animals, adopting and endearing 11 rescued dogs to her home. She relished the planning, plant selection, and grooming of her many flower beds. In the evenings Sherry enjoyed calling family members, and watching a few select television shows. Weekends were busy with normal family tasks or trips, but her partial enjoyment and toleration for Saturday football and March Madness was admirable.

Sherry is survived by Michael, her husband of 40 years, her parents Jackie and Charlie Henley of Cleveland, Oklahoma, brothers Charles of Junction City, Kansas and Jack of Glenpool, Oklahoma. Sherry also leaves her cherished Aunt Jennie, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Orville, sister in law Stephanie and husband Johnny, in addition to her beloved nieces Bethany and Addie, nephews Tristan, Benjamin, Nathanial, Caleb, and Andrew. She is preceded in death by 10 aunts and uncles.

Per her wish Sherry requested cremation, with Trout Funeral Home providing this honor. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., October 24, 2026, at Kendrick McCartney Johnson Funeral Home in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

Flowers are welcome, in lieu, you may wish to donate, in her remembrance, to the Ponca City Humane Society or the Ponca City High School Food Pantry Program, programs reflecting her lifelong compassions.

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."