Sherri was born the second of five sisters to Dick & Doris Lininger in Curwensensville, Pennsylvania. Her upbringing and idyllic family life was that of small town America in the 1950's. As the second sister and a daughter of a hard working Pennsylvania Dutch family, she embodied the famous advertising slogan of that time, "Number two tries harder."
Sherri was always striving to do her very best. Growing up and throughout her schooling, church, Girl Scouts, choir, flute, and many crafts and sewing endeavors, whatever she put her heart into she was determined and dedicated.
She graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, upon graduation she worked various business and office jobs in Pennsylvania. Her work ethic also exemplified her desire to give an unreserved effort. In 1982, she made the move to Texas, joining two of her sisters. Shortly after her move to Texas her spiritual journey to Christ began. Through her involvement with Agapeforce and Grace Community Church, she made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as her LORD and Savior, she desired to love and serve Him for the rest of her life. Upon arrival, she got a job at The Villages as manager and program director for the member's recreational and guest activities, however the position was short lived. Sherri, then started what would be a forty year career, as a Southwestern Bell directory assistance operator. Through her dogged efforts and persistent desire to advance and improve her skills and education, she finished her career at AT&T as project engineer designing and supervising the installation of new service throughout the greater Tyler area. Her meticulous attention to detail in procedural and implementation of her work, made her an invaluable member of her department's team, She was always reliable and dependable, and hated to let anyone down!
Sherri was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She had a love and commitment that was unwavering, even throughout her life when she was disappointed, hurt, and at times taken advantage of. She was generous, almost to a fault, with spontaneous purchases, she thought you might like. She was always up for a road trip, the annual Sister's trip to celebrate Mom's birthday in October to Branson was a yearly highlight for the last fifteen years, as well as several jaunts to Galveston. This year she planned a trip for us to The Marrs Blueberry Festival in Bentonville,Arkansas. She had an unfailing interest in being involved in family gatherings. She wanted to be invited and included. Sherri loved keeping up with her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great nephews, always wanting to see pictures and hear stories of the activities and family life. Sherri loved contributing to their cousin sleepovers buying many movies on DVD for their enjoyment!
Sherri's compassion and care was especially extended to animals, particularly to her totally devoted dog and two comical, quirky cats. She was a great supporter of the SPCA. She also volunteered for and contributed to various animal rescue shelters in the Tyler area.
About fifteen years ago, some poor health choices caught up with, she went through a bout with cancer, which was cured. However, as is so often the case the cure was more damaging than the disease, resulting in severe and destructive conditions from which there was no recourse or recovery. She released her frail and failing earthly body to receive her eternal and immortal heavenly one. She is rejoicing to join the great cloud of witnesses, family, and friends who have gone before. We are already missing her beyond words, so grateful for her life, but are rejoicing with her. She is first of the sisters to reach her ultimate goal and reward, she is at rest, no more need to try harder!
Sherri was preceded in death by her parents, Richard LaVern and Doris Arlene Lininger; brother in law, Bill Cooke; and nephew, Isaac Cooke.
Survivors include her sisters: Linda Cooke, Jaymie Shine and husband Mike, Marsha Triebold and husband, Howie and Dori Eikner and husband Glenn, numerous nieces & nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pallbearers will be Aaron Cooke, Seth Cooke, Benjamin Eikner, Peter Cooke, Thomas Eikner, Jayson Shine, John Eikner, Jonas Cooke, Christian Eikner and Nicholas Cooke.
Sherri will be laid to rest in Tyler Memorial Park, Tyler, TX.
