ROANOKE, Va. — Sheryl Jean Janke, 69, passed away Oct. 5, 2023, at Heart Hospital of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M. She was born July 10, 1954, in Claflin, Kan., to Raymond and Ruth (Brown) Janke.  

Sheryl, a 1972 Claflin High School graduate and a 1976 University of Kansas graduate, dedicated her professional life to occupational therapy. From 1977 to 1989, she was a Registered Occupational Therapist at the Northampton VA Medical Center, Leeds, Mass. and from 1989 until her retirement in 2011, she was a therapist at the Salem VA Medical Center Salem, Va. Sheryl loved assisting Veterans which was evident by her 34 years of service. While at the Northampton VA she led her team in developing and implementing a program to reintegrate Vets with nonhospital Vets. This program received National attention. Being passionate about being heart healthy, for herself and others, Sheryl was involved at the Fit Studio 365, Connection Achievement Therapy Center, and several senior fitness or healthy foods groups. She was a follower of Jesus and a member of the Claflin United Methodist Church in her youth. Sheryl continued to grow in her faith by being active in Bible Study Fellowship. She enjoyed holidays and lunches out with friends. Following retirement, she explored our world by cruising with her brother and sister-in-law. Although she was far away from Kansas, she connected by phone often to check on her extended family. She will be missed by her family and her devoted and loyal friends. 

Survivors include her 1st cousins, Paul (Connie) Wesseler, Lois (Dennis) Hammer, Arlon (Marsha) Wesseler, Bruce (Olga) Sutherland, John (Debbie) Amos, Karen (Dale) DeWerff; and a sister-in-law, Regina Janke of Los Lunas, N.M. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Warren Janke; and 1st cousin, Sandy Estabrook.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, with Pastor Dale DeWerff and Karen DeWerff presiding. A private family inurnment will be at Claflin Cemetery, Claflin, at a later date. Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS  67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

PO Box 146 

Hoisington, KS  67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 12, 2023