Sherrill Vay Henry

Funeral services for Sherrill Vay Henry, 83, of Altoona, will be Friday, December 8, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Runnells Christian Church. Burial will be at the Lowman Cemetery near Runnells. Family will receive friends at Runnells Christian Church on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorials are requested for Runnells Christian Church, where she has been an active and faithful member for decades.

Sherrill was born November 25, 1940, in Perry, Iowa, to Forrest and Clara DeVoogt Hunt. She was the 9th of 11 children and, throughout her life, she remained close to her siblings and their children. Being raised in a large family, she valued remaining close with her loved ones. This followed her throughout her life and was represented through her generosity to her family and community.

Sherrill grew up in Perry and moved to Des Moines during her high school years. She graduated from Saydel High School. After high school, she worked a few jobs before landing at Central Tractor Parts. It was there that she met her husband of almost 63 years. They were introduced in the breakroom by some coworkers who thought Rodney should meet Sherrill. On January 21, 1961, they were married and started their life together. They were blessed with three children: Janna, Mark, and Tracy. 

Eventually making their home in Runnells, she was very active in the Runnells community. Helping with the city water bills and with anything else they might need. Sherrill had a strong faith and was very active in the Runnells Christian Church serving as an elder, treasurer, and secretary. She printed the church bulletins in her basement at her home for years, getting the kids involved to help fold. Her strong faith helped her with battling breast cancer. Fighting and becoming a breast cancer survivor, she was always an advocate for those facing the challenge.

Sherrill worked for the Rock Island Railroad for 10+ years and then began working for the Upper Midwest Regional Office of the Disciples of Christ Christian Churches. She loved her work and the relationships she built, eventually retiring in 2003.

In 2000, Sherrill and Rodney moved from Runnells to Altoona to be even closer to their kids and grandkids. She loved her role as grandma and enjoyed every minute spent with her family.

Although she always stayed busy, Sherrill found time to enjoy the daily New York Times Crossword Puzzle, word jumbles, and Scrabble. She was a great cook and baker and will be especially remembered for her pies (made with fresh cherries from her mother’s cherry tree) and her famous fruitcakes during the holidays.

Another special love of Sherrill’s life were her toy poodles. Ashley was the first family toy poodle followed by Sophie, Coco, and Lucy.

Sherrill passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 62 years, Rodney Henry; her children: Janna (Matthew) Rensch, Mark (Shelley) Henry, and Tracy (Tod) Smith; grandsons: Austin (Sonja) Rensch, Tyler Henry, Josh (Stephanie) Henry, Trevor Smith, and Trey Smith; great-grandchildren: Will, Marshall, and Coleson; sister, Sondra Paul; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.  

Preceding her in death were her parents: Forrest and Clara Hunt; and 9 siblings: Arlis Dollarhide, Donna Vee Correy, Retha Masengill, Arleta Grove, Afton Cabelka, Karean Selicon, Burdette Hunt, Kreigh Hunt, and Lynn Hunt.