July 7, 1939 – December 4th, 2025
Sheryll left us peacefully on December 4th, 2025, at the age of 86 surrounded by her family. She was born on July 7th, 1939 in Albany, California to Edwin and Madeline Dulaney, she was their only child.
Sheryll and her parents arrived in El Paso her senior year of high school at Burgess High School and went on to attend Texas Western College now UTEP. She was proudly active in her Chi Omega sorority where she made many lifetime friends. Sheryll also became secretary to the Dean where fate stepped in and she met the love of her life Don Van Pelt. Their love story spanned an incredible 62 years of marriage filled with devotion and countless shared moments and memories.
Together Sheryll and Don raised two wonderful children, Deborah and Chris, and created a family legacy of love that continues to grow with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sheryll’s love for her family knew no bounds. She had a gift of making everyone feel special. Sheryll and Don shared many friendships over the years. Namely, John and Kathy Corcoran, Hollie and Elgie Seamster, Joan and Jack Carter and Sonja and John Van Nortwick. Her other loves were the San Francisco 49ers and Texas Longhorns. She also enjoyed Pilates with Sonia and working out with her trainer David. Sheryll treasured the times spent with family back in Columbus, Ohio after coming from a small family.
Sheryll is survived by her husband of 62 years Don Van Pelt; her daughter Deb Van Pelt and son-in-law Charles Staniszewski; her son Chris Van Pelt and daughter-in-law Mari Van Pelt; her grandchildren Kristofer, Emily, Delaney, and Everleigh; her great-grandson August; and her devoted rescue poodle Daisy, who was never far from her side.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 17th at 11:00 am at Memory Gardens of the Valley - 4900 McNutt Rd, Santa Teresa, NM - Celebration of Life to follow
In Lieu of Flowers: Sheryll would be honored if you would consider a donation to the Animal Rescue League of El Paso (ARLEP), reflecting her love of Daisy and all animals
Special Thanks: Our heartfelt gratitude to Texas Oncology Doctors Arsenio Lopez and Stephanie Han, and to the Nursing staff of ICU (CCU) Providence Memorial Campus Hospital – especially Stephanie, Christy, Evelyn and Paola and also Dr. Oliver Dobbs.