Mary "Mel" (Bryant) Sherrow

Mary Bernella “Mel” Sherrow

Hermiston 
April 28, 1927 — Jan.1, 2020

Mary B. “Mel” Sherrow was born on April 28, 1927 in La Grande. She was the only child of Leo & Mary Ellen (Provolt) Bryant. To the sound of fireworks, she left this earth with a big bang on Jan.1, 2020 as she soared toward heaven with the angels just after midnight!! 

Following her graduation from La Grande High School with Honors in 1945, she was offered a scholarship in Music to the University of Oregon. However, she declined and decided to move to Reith because of her father’s employment on the UP Railroad. It was there that she met Theodore “Ted” Sherrow, Sr. When Ted returned from the Air Force they were married on August 25, 1946. While in Reith, Mel worked for Garrett Freight Lines as a bookkeeper and eventually became the postmaster in Reith.  

They welcomed a daughter, Linda, in 1948 and a son, Ted Jr., in 1953. That same year, 1953, they moved to Umatilla to be closer to Ted’s employment by the Union Pacific Railroad at Hinkle. In 1956, while living in Umatilla, they had their second son, Cary.

She became a medical secretary, assistant and office manager for Dr. Marvin John in Umatilla. When he was bought out by St. Anthony’s Clinic, she continued to work with him at the clinic. All in all, it was a total of 32 years . She retired in 1988 to care for her ailing husband. Ted died in 1993.

She was a warm, loving Mother, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother. She especially loved spending time with her 5 grandchildren & 7 great grandchildren. She also loved dogs!! 
In her spare time, she enjoyed camping, fishing & hunting. As she grew older, both domestic and foreign travel became a passion.

Mel was a very active citizen in her community. In her early years she served every office in the PTA including President, the board for Teenagers Activities, Cub Scouts, Bluebird Girls and various school activities.

At different times in her life she served: as a member of the Fireman’s Auxiliary for the Umatilla Volunteer Fire Department, the Umatilla Hospital District Board for 34 years where she served several years as President, the Chamber of Commerce, an original member of the Umatilla Museum Board, served as treasurer the Two Rivers Prison Advisory Committee plus she was recognized for naming the new Two Rivers Prison, member of the American Cancer Societies Relay for Life where she was Grand Marshall in 1998, the Planning committee for the New Umatilla High School, and helped in the SMART program at the elementary school where she helped children with reading.

She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hermiston. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years, served as a deacon, communion assistant, member of the Church Board and headed the original formation of the Prayer Chain.

Two of her favorite awards that she received through the years: Umatilla Outstanding Citizen for 2005-2006 and Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award for the Oregon Department of Corrections 98-99. Plus She received many other Awards & Accolades throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter: Linda Krause & her husband Paul Markowski, Las Vegas, NV; sons: Ted Sherrow & his wife Christie, Hermiston, OR and Cary Sherrow & his wife Cynthia, Hermiston, OR; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mel was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. 

Those who wish may make contributions in Mel’s memory to Vange John Memorial Hospice education fund or a charity of choice. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston, Oregon.

 A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 485 W. Locust Ave., Hermiston, OR 97838.

A private family burial will be at Olney Cemetery, Pendleton, Oregon.

Please share memories of Mel with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

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