Sheryl Dean Speer , a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Andover, Kansas, on January 23, 2025, at the age of 72. Sheryl was born on March 2, 1952, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Ulysses and Thelma (Sweeton) Freeman.

Sheryl's life was marked by her unwavering devotion to family and community. She grew up in Humboldt, Kansas, where she attended school and built lifelong memories. She began her journey as a mother with her first daughter, Tina, whom she raised with love and care. Sheryl's life took a new turn when she met Tom Speer, the love of her life, whom she married in 1971. Together, they built a beautiful life, and when Tom's job took them to Colorado they welcomed their children Tonya and Travis.

Sheryl worked at Swedish Medical Center as a Nurses Aid, and then when her two daughters were in Elementary school she started as a Para at their school and also volunteered as their Girl Scout Leader.  After she had her son Travis, she decided to devote her years to staying home and caring for her family, ensuring that her children were surrounded by love and support. When Tom's job took them back to Kansas, Sheryl embraced the opportunity to be closer to family.  Later, she worked at Hobby Lobby, where she shared her creativity and kindness.  Tom would joke with her that she was going to owe Hobby Lobby instead of getting a paycheck because of her passion for buying material for quilts and crafts--seriously you should see her craft room!  She retired in 2018 at the age of 65

Sheryl had a vibrant spirit and a talent for bringing beauty into the world. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, cooking, and teaching others the art of sewing, crafts and cooking. Her quilting creations were cherished treasures, woven with love and care. She loved camping at the lake and found peace in the stillness of snow-covered landscapes. Known for her wisdom and gentle guidance, she was always there with advice—often delivered with a smile and the confidence that she was right.
Sheryl's greatest joy was her family. She was a proud mother, grandmother (she would say Nana because "I am not old enough to be a grandma!"), and great-grandmother who found endless delight in watching her family grow and thrive. She is survived by her son, Travis Speer; her daughters, Tina Wheeler and Tonya Rejent (Joseph); her brothers, Gary Freeman (Debi) and Roger Lester (Peggy); her sister, Carol Gore; her grandchildren, Nicholas Speer, Joshua Wheeler, Courtney Edwards, Austin Edwards, Taylor Edwards and Persephone Speer-Waller; and her great-grandchildren, Colton Bell and Annalynne Alumbaugh. She also leaves behind many cherished extended family members and dear friends.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Ulysses and Thelma Freeman, her husband Thomas Speer and grandchild, JT Wheeler.

A visitation will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Anchor Baptist Church, 14704 E. Harry, Wichita, Kansas, with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Bruno Township Cemetery in Andover, where Sheryl will be laid to rest beside her beloved Tom.

Memorial donations may be made in Sheryl's memory to: The American Heart Association.

Sheryl Dean Speer was a beacon of love, strength, and kindness. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.