Sheryl McElravy, 67 of Townsend, MT passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2021 after a 6 year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loving family.
Sheryl was born to Dave H and Dorothy Damm Schledewitz in Williston ND on December 14, 1953. She spent her early years in Culbertson, MT. In January 1967 Sheryl moved with her family to Townsend, MT.
Sheryl graduated from Broadwater County High School in May, 1972 . In the fall of 1971, Sheryl found her future husband Clayton McElravy (classmate) of Townsend. In November of 1972, Sheryl married Clayton and they started their life together, a bond that would last until Sheryl’s untimely death.
She started her career at Blue Cross/Blue Shield in the fall 1972 and worked until the fall of 1975. In February 1976 the couple moved to Long Beach, CA with the U.S. Navy. In February 1977 in Long Beach CA their daughter Kristelle was born. In the fall of 1978, Sheryl returned to Montana and began a career at Mountain Bell Telephone Company where she worked until her job went to Denver, CO. In January of 1996, Sheryl started work with State of Montana, working at Department of Revenue, Department of Justice and finally with Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. In July of 2010, Sheryl retired from State Government and started a new life which included wintering in Yuma, AZ which she continued until her health brought her home to Montana.
Sheryl loved to travel with Clayton, family and friends. Travels included Disneyland (numerous times), Pittsburgh Steeler football games, Branson, MO, Nashville, TN and Knoxville, TN. Sheryl was an avid quilter and completed many quilts, wall hangings and table runners for family and friends. If she was not quilting, she would find other crafts to keep her mind and hands busy.
Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Dave Schledewitz, Dorothy Schledewitz; father-in-law, Leroy McElravy; mother-in-law, Emma McElravy; sisters-in-law, Carole Bratlien, Susan Mattson and nephew Jeff Mattson.
Sheryl is survived by her husband, Clayton McElravy of Townsend, MT; daughter, Kris (Shane) Schmaus, and their precious granddaughter, Ava Schmaus of Montana City, MT; brother, Clyde (Carol) Schledewitz Montana City, MT; sister, Arliss (Dave) Sakos of Rapid City, SD; brother-in-law, Blair Bratlien of Helena, MT and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Silver Springs Assisted Living, 35 Carroll Dr, Townsend MT 59644.
We would like to give special thanks to Dr Nowak, St Peters Medical Group, Dr Thomas, Bozeman Health, Dr Peterson, Billings Clinic, and the Hospice nurses and staff that helped in a great time of need.
A Memorial Service will be held in Helena at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home this Friday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m.
with a Reception to follow.
Memorial Service can be viewed below Live. The video will open 15 minutes prior to the start time of 10:00 a.m.
Steve Sautter says
We are very sorry to hear of Sheryl’s passing. To Clayton and family Jean and I offer our thoughts and sympathies. God bless.
Dan & Barbara Korba says
Deepest sympathy to all family and friends. Sheryl was a wonderful person .We are going to miss her so much
Love Dan & Barbara Korba
Syd and Lynda Burlock says
Dear Clayton and Family,
We are sorry to hear Sheryl has passed away. She was a wonderful person, kind, caring and always had a smile for you.
We loved having Sheryl and yourself as our Activities Directors. She certainly will be missed.
Cherish your memories as I am sure there will be many.
Our Deepest Sympathies,
Syd and Lynda Burlock
Tom Reilly says
Sheryl’s Family,
‘Very sorry to hear this. I worked with Sheryl at Montana FWP and she had such a positive approach to everything she was involved with,- everything. She was truly a great person in any way it can be defined. I am very sorry to know of your loss.
tom
Joy and Ed Lousberg says
Clayton and loved ones
Ssheryl was an outstanding wonderful friend. Ready to help in any way possible and ALWAYS ready to listen.
Her contagious smile will be missed by all who knew her. We are truely blessed to have Sheryl and Clayton on
our list of friends. We will miss you Sheryl.
Anita Varone says
I am overwhelmed to read about Sheryl’s passing. I hired Sheryl at the Department of Justice, and later, Kris. Over the years I came to love both of them and have never met a kinder family.
Sheryl wore her her heart on her sleeve and always stepped up to help anyone in their time of need. She was quick to tear up when other’s sadness reached her and just as quick to laugh when something was funny. She was smart, a quick learner and worked harder than anyone I ever knew.
We caught up again when she and Clayton were down south. Mike and I invited them to stay with us when they drove to Phoenix for the baseball games. I was so, so looking forward to spending time with them. Then Covid hit. I never got the chance to see her again.
My heart breaks for this fine, kind and wonderful woman. My prayers will be for her fabulous family.
Anita Varone
Teresa Graham says
Clayton, Kris and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Sheryl. She was a wonderful friend, wife, mother and sister. She and I had so much fun the year we co- lead our little Camp Fire groups and fondly remember making Angels from readers digest magazines! We didn’t see each other often but it always felt like no time had passed when we did. I hope you find splice in your living memories of happier stays with her. Love and prayers to all.
Bob Korizek says
I worked with Sheryl in engineering at the telephone co.
I would be looking off in space trying to figure out a solution and she would jokingly tell me to get to work.
At that point we’re REALLY having fun.
What complete JOY to work with (for ?).
Noreen Krueger says
Clayton and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Sheryl was a lovely person and so caring. Please find comfort in your memories and cherish them all. We will miss her terribly. Love, Pete & Noreen Krueger
Elzarus ( Grandie ) Hunsaker says
Sheryl you fought a long battle and you did it with faith and hope. Life is sometimes hard but you endured too the last.
May God receive you with open arms for the wonderful woman you are
We will miss you.
Bonnie isaak says
I was sorry to hear of Sheryl passing. I worked with her for several years. She was such a loving sole. She will be missed by so many. My prayers are with family
Bonnie isaak says
I was sorry to hear of Sheryl passing. I worked with her for several years at mt bell. She always had us laughing at coffee. She was a hard worker but always had time to listen or help if you needed it.
She was such a loving sole. She will be missed by so many. My prayers are with family. And close friends
Cris & Edd Branson says
Cris & Edd Branson Says
Our hearts are broken,we loved her the minute we meet her an Claton in Yuma Ariz. I Crystal have lost another
Daughter,I was her Den mother and she called me mom.Sheryl was such a talented and gifted lady.Sheryl and
Claton were the neatest couple and gee whiz could those two ever dance ” WOW” We will truely miss her.
God be with Clayton,Cris,Ava,Shane,Arliss,Dave,ClydeAnd Carrol.
Paul- Bertie says
Our hearts are broken we we will miss her so much she was a wonderful friend we had so much fun with her and Clayton Keep dancing Sheryl ! Clayton our love goes out to you and all of the family. We truly care.
Steve Marden, Marden's Trailer Sales says
Clayton and family,
Our hearts are broken. Cheryl was a wonderful person. Enjoyed doing business with you guys. We appreciated the visit at our campout in the beautiful Bears paw mountains.I will never forget her big smile. Our prayers are with the entire family. May she rest in peace.
Jim Kropp says
I simply enjoyed working w Sheryl at FWP. She was a great employee , was always supportive & a good friend.
It was also nice to meet Clayton & Sheryl for lunch in Yuma. Sheryl was quick to whip out her phone w the latest pics of Ava, & family.
She will be missed. Gods blessings to the family
Margaret Filipowicz says
Sheryl was a large part of the FWP family and was always great fun at the admin meetings. She was great to work with and was always supportive and helpful in anyway she could. Sorry to hear of her passing and will keep her and her family in my thoughts and prayers.
Martha Abbrescia says
Dear McElravy / Schledewitz families,
I am so sorry to hear of Sheryl’s passing. I enjoyed anytime that I interacted with Sheryl at FWP. She always made me laugh, I really loved her sense of humor. Blessings to her family.
Dianne Stiff says
Sheryl always had a smile and laugh making our FWP support staff meetings so enjoyable! She was always up for the task on any request from the regional offices. I remember when she was getting ready to retire how she was looking forward to hitting the road with their family camper and spending time in Arizona. So happy she got to fulfill her dreams that way. God bless her family during this time of loss.
Tom Erving says
Clayton, I am so sorry about Sheryl. She was the best! I first met Sheryl and you before your wedding and I’ve enjoyed a friendship that has lasted a lifetime. It was always great to see Sheryl over the years, we always had so much to talk about. My sincere condolences, you were such a great forever couple.
Your friend Tom Erving
Erin O'Connor says
Sheryl was one of the “old timers” at FWP that I especially now dearly miss working with. We met when we got stuck sharing a seat in the back of a passenger van on the way to Old Faithful during one of our FWP meetings. When she found out i was originally from Sidney, we hit it off from there, and kept in touch on Facebook after she retired. I so enjoyed her sense of humor and quick wit. She could always make you laugh and was so good at her job. She fought a valiant battle and i’m glad she is at peace now. Sending many blessing to her family. She will be missed.
Beth Giddings says
My sincere condolences to the family. I feel blessed that my husband and I were fortunate enough to work with Sheryl at FWP. She always had a positive attitude and was such a supportive and loving person to everyone she met.
Deborah Cheek says
I am very saddened to hear about Sheryl leaving us at such a young age. She was ALWAYS a joy to work with at FWP! Great positive attitude, always willing to help get whatever needed to be done and her unique sense of humor were all so special. We were all so blessed to have her cross our life path. My sincere sympathy to the entire family. God’s blessings of strength and courage to all of you.
Thomas Flowers says
Sheryl was certainly a bright light in all the lives she touched. Always upbeat and friendly, you could expect a kind word and meaningful hug whenever you saw her. Her memory will live on in those of us who were honored to know and work with her.
Todd Anderson says
So sorry to hear about Sheryl’s passing. I was fortunate enough to work with Sheryl during her time at FWP. She always had a smile on her face and always wanted to catch up on the happenings in eastern MT. She will be missed.
Jeannie and chuck case says
Sheryl was so very special and unique! We first met when she and Clayton attended every basketball and football game that my sons were playing in Townsend! Always supportive, enthusiastic, and just loved all the kids ! Later we would see them in Az…she loved, loved her family..so,very, very proud of Kris ….. the sun rose and set with granddaughter, Ava ….Clayton was her husband, soul mate and partner!
Love and prayers to Sheryl’s family and friends!
Rosemarie & Melanie Gattiker says
Dear Clayton & Family,
We are so sorry for your great loss. Let your many beautiful memories sustain you at this terrible time. Sheryl was one of a kind – happy, super friendly, helpful, a wonderful and talented quilter, a great presence at Yuma events, firm when necessary, yet always there for friends and neighbours. A wonderful wife, mum, grandma, sister to be sure. Reunited with her parents now, while those left behind are mourning her unexpected and way-too-early departure from this earth. God bless you in your grief and keep you in His loving care.
Sending you hugs of comfort across the border – Rosemarie & Melanie
Chine Strobel says
I truly enjoyed working with Sheryl at FWP and our friendship. I loved hearing about her family, travels and quilting.
She was a wonderful person who has left lasting memories to all that knew her.
My thoughts and prayers to her family.
carolyn Smith says
Clayton an family, enjoyed the services an my thoughts an prayers are with all of you, was sad but now she is pain free an still enjoying her good times, an fun.love all of you , from my family to your’s. God Bless
Shari Harris says
Clayton, Krissy, and family. So sad about Sheryl. Have you in my thoughts.
Kevin Holland says
I too was sad to hear of Sheryls passing. I worked with her at FWP and it was always a pleasure to work with her on the phone and in person. She was always up beat and had a smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.