Sherry Lee VanBuskirk, age 81, lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at her residence. Born January 27, 1945, in Elwood to Chester E. and Irene (Stanton) Fisher. Sherry was 1963 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. She married her soulmate, Bruce VanBuskirk, on February 22, 1964, and together they created over 62 years of cherished memories.

Sherry dedicated 16 years to United Tech in maintenance and retired from Red Gold in 2007 after 25 years in the lab. Her happiest times were spent outdoors on the water, boating or fishing, where laughter and love followed her. Family was at the heart of Sherry’s world. She relished vacations, lake weekends, and countless camping trips with her children, crafting memories that will live on for generations. Sherry adored gathering everyone around her table for big homemade meals, believing that every moment together was a treasure. Above all, Sherry’s greatest joys were her children and grandchildren, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. She embraced life fully, celebrating every occasion and milestone. Her legacy of love, laughter, and togetherness will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Sherry is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bruce VanBuskirk of Elwood; 2 children, Brian (Leona) VanBuskirk of Crowmwell, IN, and Paula (Wally) Shively of Tipton; 7 grandchildren, Chera (Andrew) Smith, Lydia Bollero, Autumn Howell, Luke (Corey) Shively, Grant (Allison) Shively, Lauren (Adam) Cheek, and Shane Kinast; 8 great-grandchildren, Riley McCartney, Payton McCartney, Prescott Shively, Bear Shively, Colter Cheek, Chevie Kinast, Cash Kinast, and Holden Bollero; and several nieces and nephews. Sherry is preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Terry Fisher; brother, Sam Fisher; and granddaughter, Claire Shively.

A funeral service celebrating Sherry’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Kim Drake officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 pm prior to the service on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association through the funeral home. Online condolences and stories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.