Sherilyn Marie Ward, 83, of Alma, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society- Colonial Villa in Alma.

She was born on July 18, 1943, in Ogden, Utah, to Howard and Marie (Galbraith) Hanson. The family moved to Lexington, Nebraska, where she attended and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1961. She furthered her education at Kearney State College as well as at the Grand Island Beauty School where she received her certifications. She was united in marriage to Frederick "Otis" Ward on February 26, 1965, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. Twins were blessed to this union: Susanne and Steven.

Sheri dedicated many years as a beautician and later on took on the role of working as a paraprofessional for Lexington Public Schools. She was deeply interested and involved in learning her ancestry. She was a registered genealogist and was incredibly proud of her accomplishments in the field. She was able to trace her lineage back to the 1300's. She was a longtime member of the daughters of the American Revolutions, almost hitting her 50-year mark, was a member of the daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, The National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, as well as a member of the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 and held many state and national offices.

Sheri was an animal lover at heart and adored her standard poodles. In her younger years, she had a pet raccoon named Oscar and often had pet mice she would travel with on her bike rides. She loved her family and enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Steven Ward of Omaha and Susanne (Gary) Janssen of Alma; grandchildren, Blaine (Allison) Janssen, Brent (Brooke) Janssen, and Brandie (Troy) Bland; great-grandchildren, Eloise Janssen, Elaina Janssen, Kenton Bland, and Sutton Bland; sister-in-law, Nancy Ward of Arvada, Colorado, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Sheri was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick "Otis" Ward; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Ward; daughter-in-law, Nancy Wescott; siblings, Colleen (John) Caldwell, J.R. (Ann) Hanson, and Jim (Bev) Hanson; and brother-in-law, Donald (Mary) Ward.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church at Buffalo in rural Lexington with Pastor Victor Rasmussen officiating.

Burial will be held after the service at the Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Oconto, Nebraska.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to be made to the First Lutheran Church at Buffalo or to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Kearney.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com