With the door open to her heavenly home, Sherry crossed its threshold on Monday January 22, 2024.
Sherry Aneal was born to wonderful parents, James Marvin Martin and Hazel (Holtsclaw) Martin on December 16, 1952 and was raised in Alamosa, Colorado and Mesa Arizona. Her childhood years were shaped by her home life filled with music. Her 3 older brothers (Gary, Jay and Bob) were either playing the piano, musical instruments or singing in preparation for performances at school or for their Saturday night “gigs”. It is no wonder that Sherry Aneal developed a deep love of music and became herself, a talented musician.
Before the family moved to Mesa in the mid-sixties, the family was blessed with Tammy Sue. Sherry Aneal could not have been happier to have a baby sister. They were best of friends for forever.
She was educated at Westwood High School, Mesa Community College and earned a bachelor degree in Music from Arizona State University. She took both piano and voice lessons for years. Sherry developed a beautiful soprano voice. With her talent as a musician she taught private voice and piano most of her adult life.
Sherry could identify the species of bird chirping in the trees without even looking up. She had a soft spot for cats and dogs, she raised several over the years. Night winter skies were her favorite, she could name most if not of all the constellations. There was not a good book she had not read.
She loved her Savior Jesus Christ. Everyday she tried to be an example of her love of the Savior by being kind and compassionate to family, friends, and neighbors. She found ways to bless the lives of others in small and simple things.
Sherry is survived by her brother Bob Martin, sister-in-law Betty Martin and brother-in-law, Scott Strange, as well as a several nieces and nephews. Missing Sherry (besides her family) are her neighbors and friends of many years and not to be forgotten an orange colored cat she named “Marmalade” who adopted her.
If you received music lessons or life lessons from Sherry you are invited to celebrate her life at a memorial service Saturday February 17, 2024 at 11 am in the Mesa Cemetery just off the Country Club entrance.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Sherry will be very missed I used to love hearing her play piano and just listen to her stories!
We sang in concert choir together at Westwood High School. She was a top soprano in the choir and I believe at Regionals and State. She was always kind. She will be missed. I am sorry for your loss.
In the summer of 1972, our family moved in next door to the east of the Martin family, who were friendly, easy to get to know, and were good neighbors. We enjoyed chats across the fence, greetings in the carport and visits in their home. It was pleasant to hear Sherry playing the piano or rehearsing requested songs as she prepared music for special gatherings or Church services. When Sherry became the only lady in the house, and I became the main gardener for mine and started to use the backyard clothesline a lot, Sherry and I maintained the previous pattern of chatting, becoming firm friends.
When I moved away in 2013, we kept visiting through phone calls and texting. Sherry enjoyed keeping in contact with family, friends, and neighbors because she liked people, was a good listener, and had many interests. I shall miss her, but believe Heaven has gained a wonderful person who is happy to be with family again and will make a lot of new friends.