Sherry L. Bertsch

SHERRY L. BERTSCH

Washington

Sherry L. Bertsch, 58, of rural Washington, Fairfield, and owner of Country Charm Flowers and gifts in Mount Pleasant, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020, at her home as a result of a fire.

According to her wishes, Sherry has been cremated. A joint celebration of her life, along with the life of Mike Shannan, will be held at a later time when social distancing restrictions are lifted. Inurnment will be in Pattison Cemetery, rural Fairfield. Memorials will be established at the time of the celebration of life. Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel of Mount Pleasant is assisting the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.

Sherry Lynn was born Oct. 15, 1961, in Ottumwa, the daughter of James and Marilyn (Hutton) Bertsch. Growing up in Fairfield, she was a 1980 graduate of Fairfield High School. Following high school, Sherry obtained a horticulture degree from Indian Hills Community College.

Sherry had a love of gardening and flowers, took that passion and opened her own business, Country Charm Flowers and Gifts in 1985. For the past 35 years, Sherry was a beloved and active member of the Mount Pleasant business community. Her customers became her friends, and she made them feel loved and cared for during their celebrations and sorrows. Her mother, Marilyn, worked with Sherry for many years.

Enjoying horses, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, antiquing, and a love of animals, Sherry had a special place in her heart for her dogs, Lucky, Casino and Alex. She was truly one of life's treasures, with an outgoing, friendly personality, and above all she was an amazing daughter, sister and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Sherry is survived by her father, James (Belinda) Bertsch of Denver, Colo.; two sisters, Janyce (Bob) Gray of Cedar Rapids and Tammie Haney of Fairfield; two stepsisters, Katrina Baca and Misty Peterson, both of Denver, Colo.; along with nieces, Katlyn and Remi; and a nephew, Easton, all of Fairfield.

Preceding Sherry in death was her mother, Marilyn Bertsch; and Mike Shannan, Sherry's longtime partner, perished at the same time of Sherry's death.

A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others (L. Frank Baum) and Sherry was loved by many.