Sherry Ann Gransee

November 16, 1943 - June 20, 2020

Harley-riding, peanut-butter-pretzel-loving, nature show-watching “Mrs. Sherry” crossed the rainbow bridge to heaven on Saturday morning, June 20th, 2020. Born November 16th, 1943 in San Diego, Sherry Ann Hancock moved to Lead, South Dakota as a young girl and was raised with her three younger sisters, Diane, Nancy (deceased), and Linda. Sherry loved her sisters and often enjoyed connecting with them over the phone as they grew older. From a young age, Sherry’s natural connection with the outdoors and the animal kingdom was apparent -- Sherry and her sisters rode horses and explored Spearfish canyon together, encouraging Sherry’s love of wildlife, wildflowers, and waterfalls. After graduating high school in 1961, Sherry married John Badger (deceased) who gave her her first two children, Brenda and Lisa. A few years later Sherry and John separated and Sherry married Donald “Buck” Bucholz, who became the father of her son Shawn, aka her “cookie monster,” in 1968. Sherry was always incredibly proud of her daughters and son and loved them more than anything in the world. Four years after Sherry and Buck eventually separated in 1972, Sherry was working as a bartender when she met a silly cowboy by the name of Alan Raymond Gransee. Al was charmed by Sherry’s quick wit and honesty; for six months he came into the bar on the nights she worked until one night, “Sherry-I-don’t-know-her-last-name” wasn’t there. He waited and when she finally arrived, Al asked her last name so that they could go out on a proper date. Al and Sherry married in 1978 and Sherry became the stepmom to Al’s daughter Susie. This marked the beginning of Al and Sherry’s adventures -- throughout 41 years of good morning kisses and long distance phone calls (when Al was stationed in the Air Force overseas), the pair donned the nicknames Hester and Chester after a risque comic book cartoon. When asked to share special memories from their life together, Al smiled and without hesitation said “Every day of my life with her was a special memory.” Little did Sherry and Al know they would meet their final daughter when they moved to Plattsmouth. Their next door neighbor Shirley and her family would become honorary members of the Gransee household, helping teach “Momma and Pop” about their fancy computer gadgets and medications. Shirley, a nurse, was with Sherry till the very end, making her favorite avocado toast and holding her hand every step of the way. Despite being very modest, Shirley isn’t only adored by her adoptive parents next door, but by the entirety of their family who are beyond grateful for her love and support. “Mrs. Sherry” was very attached to all of her Roger Circle neighbor friends, who became like family in the care and concern they shared over the years. Sherry was known to throw candy to all the neighbor kids every Saturday morning and, as a firm believer that treats aren’t just for kids, would also take care of the furry children in the neighborhood. In Sherry’s eyes, all members of God’s kingdom were equal -- furry, feathered, or scaled, she was sure to give them all the love and attention they deserved. Sherry carried animal treats in her pocket everywhere she went just in case she were to find a friend in need of some food. Some of Sherry’s most beloved friends were her furry four-legged family members, Bear (1977-1988), Karma (1997-2012), and Pearl. Sherry especially loved Tara Tulip, her grandson’s pet iguana who eventually made her way to living with Al and Sherry. Despite Tara’s slight resemblance to a baby alligator, Sherry loved holding Tara and showing the neighbors how to care for her. Throughout her professional life, Sherry worked various jobs but especially enjoyed her time working for the state for 17 years, serving with Child Protective Services to help find safe and loving homes for as many children as possible. She loved volunteering in animal shelters and horse stables as well, always refusing payment. She also worked at the Masonic Home, where she met her best friend and sister at heart, Judy Valenti. Sherry and Judy spent many mornings getting coffee, going to the beach, and celebrating holidays together. After her retirement Sherry taught part time at the animal shelter and helped place dogs in good homes. She even helped found the organization Happy Paws, a dog club and educational resource for owners, and helped with the planning and construction of the new local dog park. Some of Sherry’s favorite things throughout the years apart from her family and friends were plants, especially peonies. A dedicated gardener, Sherry even worked at a flower shop on base and was known to talk to her plants while she tended to them. Sherry was also a huge motorcycle enthusiast -- claiming that she could “still ride!” every time she heard an engine roar. Sherry loved horror movies and all mystery/thriller books, especially if they were by Steven King, often flying through new books in 2-3 nights. Sherry also loved all fruits and vegetables (much to Al’s dismay), particularly watermelon. If you have any doubts or questions about her love for this particular fruit, we would ask you to stop by and see her extensive watermelon collection in the kitchen! Those close to her will also remember Sherry whenever they munch on jellybeans, see a Maxine mug, or are asked to build a snowman. Sherry’s live-and-let-live motto teaches us all to go with the flow. Her calm soul, attentive listening, and quiet confidence made her one of the most gentle but wise women on the planet. She was straightforward and honest without being crass; her surprisingly quick comebacks lightened serious conversations and shined light on her endlessly-positive outlook. Sherry taught us that life is fragile, we are here today and gone tomorrow, or even later today. She always wanted to make the world a better place, striving to do gooder (her own word) and never complaining about a single drop of pain or misfortune. She was a beautiful example of someone who took what life gave them and made the best of every moment, unconditionally loving and grateful of everyone and everything. Sherry, we know that you are an angel watching over us now, still smiling quietly while we run around in circles. We love you :) Sherry is preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa, her parents, Oliver and Jennie, her sister, Nancy, and her pets Bear, Karma, and Tara. Sherry is survived by her husband Al, her children, Brenda, Shawn, and Susie, her sisters, Linda and Diane, her 6 grandchildren, and her many great grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at 9:00 am Wednesday June 24, 2020 at Roby Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Omaha National Cemetery at 11:00 am Wednesday June 24, 2020