Sherry King

Sherry McDowell King, 90, best known for her years working at the Riviera Club, passed away on Feb.5, 2018. A native of Indianapolis, Sherry worked at the Rivi from the 1940s until 2001, beginning as a lifeguard, then coordinating the women's bridge luncheons and working in member services in the dining room and the front desk for the outdoor pool. A memorial visitation is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, from 4-6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Indianapolis (8600 N. College Ave., 46240).

Sherry, who grew up at the Rivi, was a lifeguard when she met her future husband, William Z "Bill" King, who was also employed at the club. That was the beginning of a life-long partnership, marriage and working together at the club for 60 years. While Bill worked as the second in command for many years and eventually was the president and general manager, Sherry was also a swimming instructor and became a permanent fixture at the front desk to the outdoor swimming pool and handling check-in for guests in the dining room. Both were familiar figures to generations of youngsters and families who frequented Rivi.

Sherry was a graduate of Shortridge High School and attended both Indiana University and Butler University. In addition to the Riviera Club, she also worked for the State of Indiana. Sherry loved to shop and was a well-loved and popular customer of the sales staff at L.S. Ayres & Co.

She was active in the Indianapolis Garden Club, Crossroads Volunteers, Delta Theta Tau, and Boy and Girl Scouts when her children were young. Sherry was a long-time member of the Nettie Ransford Chapter of the Eastern Star and on the board of the Propylaeum, serving as treasurer for both organizations. Additionally, she was a member of the Daughters of the Nile. Bill and Sherry were avid ballroom dancers and members of the Irvington Dance Club.

Sherry is survived by her daughter, Leslie; son, Mel (Cathy); grandsons Will, Bob and Tom King; granddaughter, Mindy Mueller Marzolf (Eric); two great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters; sister-in-law, Shirley K. Myers; and constant companion and favorite child, Coco (her dog). She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and eldest daughter, Linda K. Mueller (Bill). She was close to her nieces and nephews, Dr. John L. Myers (Jo Ellen), Betsy Myers Plymate (Todd), Ginny Myers Shaffer (Wayne), and Dr. William Myers (Jane), and their children. Sherry was born May 21, 1927.

The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to the staff of Auguste Cottage at Allisonville Meadows and St. Vincent Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they gave to Sherry and the wonderful support provided to the family.

You are invited to visit crownhill.org/obituaries to leave a personal message. In lieu of flowers, interested individuals may make donations in Sherry's name to the Indianapolis Propylaeum, 1410 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202; thepropylaeum.org.