Sheryl Lynne (Allison) Smith, 71, of Buhler, Kansas, passed on August 28, 2022. Sheryl was born on June 26, 1951, in Lyons, Kansas. She was first chair clarinet in the Pride of Lyons Marching Band and valedictorian of the graduating class of 1969.
She followed her passions to Fort Hays State University where she marched with the Tiger Marching Band and majored in art education. Here she met a handsome economics major, Rick Smith. They met in art class when Rick claimed he needed help drawing some birds. Rick and Sheryl were married August 10, 1973. This union was blessed with three children: daughter Tara Goans and husband Lonnie of Buhler, KS, daughter Mindy Fry and husband Andrew of Shawnee, KS, and son Brett Smith and wife Julie of Buhler, KS.
Sheryl began her teaching career at Eureka Jr. Sr. High School where she taught art for 7 years. The family moved in 1992 to Buhler, Kansas where Sheryl began teaching art for the elementary students at USD #313 and later moved to Buhler High School where she finished her teaching career in 2015. She was called to teach again for 2 more years at Prairie Hills and loved teaching middle school, even in retirement. Sheryl was also an adjunct professor at Sterling College, helping out with their art education program.
In addition to the many lives she touched through her teaching career, Sheryl continued to bless others with her music. She played the organ/piano for the Christian and Congregational Church (Eureka), First United Methodist Church (Hutchinson), and Emanuel Lutheran Church (Hutchinson). She also accompanied many students with state vocal competitions as well as assisting her children and grandchildren with music lessons.
Sheryl was loved tremendously by her family, her students and friends. She was always the first to help those in need. From donating supplies to classrooms, offering home cooked meals, or just being a listening ear, Sheryl was always quick to uplift her friends and family both in person and on Facebook, where she loved catching up with just about everyone. She enjoyed creating art and planned and hosted summer art camps for children with the Buhler Recreation Department. She loved her soap opera, The Young and the Restless, reading, and just having her entire family together. She also loved her medical shows while sharing her expertise with her family who called often needing medical advice! Most importantly, she loved the Lord and was faithful all her years on this earth. She was always proud that as a child she won a special perfect attendance pin each year in Sunday school.
Sheryl is survived by her husband Rick Smith of Buhler, daughter Tara Lynne Goans (Lonnie), daughter Mindy Lea Fry (Andrew), son Brett Ryan Smith (Julie), grandchildren Colton, Allison and Ty Goans, Mason Fry and Bellatrix Smith, brother Craig Allison (Nancy) of Salina, and sister Chelle Cox (Rick) of Kansas City, MO and several nieces and nephews.
Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Bonnie (Crowl) Allison, and granddaughter Tayllor Paige Goans.
"There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." - Vincent van Gogh
The family felt that this quote embodied Sheryl, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend.
Funeral service will be 10 am Monday, September 5, 2022, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Burial will follow in Buhler Municipal Cemetery West. Friends may call from 1 to 8 pm Sunday, with the family present from 5 to 7 pm, at Elliott Mortuary.
Donations in Sheryl’s memory may be made to Buhler High School (Attention: Art Club) or Emanuel Lutheran Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.