Sherry Feiger

On April 26th, 2024, Sharron Kay (Woodhouse) Feiger passed peacefully with family by her side, and with the thoughts and prayers of her many friends and her family.  Sherry was born on October 16, 1944, at Scott Army Air Corps Base, Illinois to Harold and Margaret Woodhouse. Sherry grew up in North Muskegon and Traverse City, MI after her father left military service. She attended Traverse City public schools, graduating from Traverse City Central High School in 1962.

In September of 1966, Sherry and her husband, David Feiger, were married in Traverse City, MI.  A year later, after David’s graduation from Michigan State University, David and Sherry moved out west, where they made a life together in Oregon and western Washington, ultimately settling in John Day for over 48 years.  Sherry had two sons, Michael and James.

Sherry raised her boys at home, and supported her beloved church congregation at the United Methodist Church in John Day through 1984. In the fall of 1984, she returned to college, going to Eastern Oregon State University in La Grande, OR with her dear friend Susie Garrison, where both would obtain their Degrees and Teaching Certificates. They would both go on to teach at Humboldt Elementary School in John Day, where Sherry taught First Grade starting in 1988. She would teach for over 20 years, retiring in 2008. She continued to support other teachers as a substitute teacher for a few more years. Sherry thrived in the world of education, enjoying and investing in the education of her students, and supporting her teaching community. It is there that she made her most lasting and special friendships amongst her fellow teachers, friendships that would last her a lifetime.

And if Sherry’s life wasn’t busy enough, for many years, she became ‘The Voice of Grant County and KJDY Radio’ as a weekend DJ and during Portland Trailblazer Games. Originally intended to just put some cash in her pocket, she grew to love being a Radio DJ, engaging the community through that medium. Her voice immediately recognizable, she quickly because a popular and trusted voice in the community.

In 2015, Sherry would make another commitment to service in choosing to pursue certification as Lay Minister for the John Day United Methodist Church. In 2018, she would become one of three Lay Ministers for the John Day congregation, serving until her passing this year. Here she once again thrived in the ministry and support of her congregation and fellow ministers. This service also formed a capstone to a lifetime of commitment to her Lord and Savior and to the United Methodist Church.

Some of Sherry’s greatest joy came from the adventures she shared with her family and girlfriends. Whether it was long weekends in the camper trailer at Magone Lake with her husband, or trips to Europe and the United Kingdom solo and with her sister Candy, the sense of adventure and wonder was strong with Sherry. For many years, while teaching, she and Jeanette Sillonis would spend their spring breaks exploring new National Parks in the southwest and west coast, and trips to Hawaii and the Parks of Alberta and British Columbia. The list of parks visited and the number of scrapbooks created are many!

Sherry also enjoyed her trips to Europe and the United Kingdom. Initially for pleasure and adventure, those trips morphed into genealogy adventures, where she toured England, Wales, and France to track down clues to her ancestry. Those adventures included castles and old county courthouses, and more information than she Knew what to do with! Her genealogy interests would lead to wonderful connections with family and an amazing understanding of her family’s heritage and rich history.

Beyond travel and her service as a teacher and Lay Minister, Sherry will also be remembered for many talents and expressions of art and beauty. For many years she was known as the ‘Cake Lady’ for the many celebratory Birthday, Anniversary and Wedding Cakes she masterfully baked and decorated (and to which her boys appreciated the spoils!!!). Sherry also masterfully constructed quilts of many different shapes, sizes, themes and intents, many of which became treasured gifts to former students, friends and family. She also enjoyed oil and acrylic painting, sewn post cards, dessert making and canning and preserve fruits and vegetables.

Sherry was an active member and supporter of the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary, the John Day Chamber of Commerce, The TOPS program, and a supporter of the Grant County Fair and 4-H Programs.

Sherry’s light shined brightest when she was in service of others. Whether it was her boys, her students, her fellow teachers and staff, her church congregation, or her community, she felt her greatest pride and source of love in service of those she loved. That love was returned many times over in the love her students, her community, her congregation, and her family and friends shown her. We miss her dearly, and feel her grace as she watches over each of us.

A Celebration of Sharron’s life will be held at a later date (place, time, date to be announced) In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sherry’s memory to the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary in John Day, and the John Day United Methodist Church through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com