Sherry Ann Chidester

Sherry Ann Chidester, daughter of Maurice and Erma Prior, was born June 14, 1936, in Muscatine, Iowa. Sherry spent most of her childhood in the Muscatine and Newton, Iowa areas. She graduated from Newton High School in 1954. She was united in marriage to Thomas Chidester in October 1956 in Albia, Iowa. Tom preceded her in death in 1994. After graduation she worked as a secretary at the Vernon Company, Newton, Iowa. Later she became office assistant to eye surgeon Dr. Henry Guhra in Des Moines while earning her associates degree/CMA. The remainder of her career was as office manager for doctors Hector and Barbara Cavallin, from where she retired.

Sherry loved spending time with family and friends. She was an active member of Northgate Chapter No. 417 of the Eastern Star, and Des Moines Chapter No. 89 Order of the Eastern Star, holding numerous positions including Worthy Matron. She played the organ for several chapters of Eastern Star. Sherry loved to read, garden, play cards and listen to music. She was a member of Grace Church in Des Moines.

Sherry died Sunday, January 29, 2017 at her home in Des Moines, Iowa. She celebrated her 80th birthday in June of 2016.

Those left to honor Sherry’s memory include her children, Mark (Pam) Chidester, Kansas City, MO and Lisa (Hobie) Van Valkenburg, Des Moines, IA; her three sisters, Kay (Denny) Purtilo, Sheila (Mike) Raes and Jackie (Don) Ruggles; her five brothers, Jim Wallace, Roger Prior, Gary (Karen) Prior, Darryl (Shari) Prior and Ron (Lisa) Prior. Also surviving are grandchildren, Chris, Bryan (Sarah) and Matt Chidester and two great-grandchildren, Brennen and Lilly Chidester. She is also survived by her special companion, Dr. George McAlpin and her many friends. Sherry was also blessed with 9 nieces and nephews, 16 great-nieces and nephews, and 1 great-great-nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Connie Martin.

A funeral service will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2017. Family will greet friends one hour before the service. An Eastern Star service will immediately follow. Private interment will be at Union Chapel Cemetery near Albia, Iowa

Memorial contributions may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children or American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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