Denise Louise Sherrill

In Loving Memory of Denise

Denise, I am so deeply grateful for the time God allowed us to share on this side of eternity. Your love for our Lord, His Word, His creation, His people, the vulnerable orphans and teens that live on the streets in Hungary and Romania, and the impoverished men, women, and children who live in makeshift housing in the Philippines and India, ministered deeply to our souls. Your love for our Lord and others shined brightly through you.

You helped the world feel God’s love and beauty—stitch by stitch, prayer by prayer, through the baby blankets you and your groups hand-sewed to wrap newborns in across Hungary, Romania, and the Philippines. They were hugs from God’s heart through His people. They lovingly held the precious image bearers and wrapped them in love. You prayed and cared so deeply for the orphaned children in Hungary and Romania, and for the children in the Philippines and India who had so little. The dresses, skirts, shorts, bags, hair ties, and blankets you made for them reminded them that they are seen, loved, cared for, and that their lives matter. Thank you for reminding us that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another.

The earrings you handmade for me still remind me of God’s love and of your heart. You saw God everywhere—in nature, in people, in every small grace—and you captured His beauty so others could behold it too. You were always creating something beautiful for others to know they are loved and cared for.

There isn't a phone call or text that we had that you weren't filled with prayer, encouraging words, joy in the Lord, and deep dependence on Him. You encouraged me so much! I long for the day that we will be reunited in eternity! Thank you for shining His love and light to us, everyone you came in contact with, and those around the world. See you soon, Dear One!

To Steve, George, Mary, Nicole, Nicholas, Krystle, and Noah—thank you for sharing Denise with us. What a gift and blessing her life has been. We hold you all in our hearts and prayers.

Love,
Bob, Rachele, Christian, & Joshua Flores

Denise was more than a friend—she was like the mom I always wished I had, a guide, and the brightest part of so many days. We met several years ago over a few chickens, and somehow that simple beginning turned into a bond that became a daily joy. We could make each other laugh until our cheeks hurt—those little inside jokes and silly moments are treasures I’ll carry forever.

She loved my kids like her own, surprising them with birthday gifts, random pizza nights, or just little acts of her generous, loving heart. My kids called her auntie Denise. She was always there for me—a steady shoulder, a voice of wisdom, my moral compass, my angel.

Denise had a way of filling the room with warmth, laughter, and love that made life brighter, even on the hardest days. I will miss her deeply, but I am endlessly grateful for every laugh, every piece of advice, and every memory & joke we shared. Rest easy, Denise—you were truly one of a kind.

I will remember Denise for her creativity and beautiful spirit.
Her mom, Mary, introduced us years ago when she came to check on the baskets she was making for the raffle.
I learned of Denise's creativity & was able to purchase a few pieces of her beautiful earrings.

Loved Denise and she made that so easy.
Miss her, but I'm confident she's in the presence of her saviour & healing is complete.
Steve holding you & the family in my prayers.

I’ll always remember meeting Denise for the first time. She was just a little girl and came to our apartment in Santa Monica. I wanted to do something fun with the young new member of the family and we made cookie cutter Christmas ornaments together. As she grew she was always into some new adventure that her parents supported - from collecting model Breyer horses to collecting real horses that needed to be fed and cared for! A big responsibility. Again, with the support of her parents, but mostly independently, she started her own dog grooming business just out of high school! Not easy!! It’s hard for me to wash my one little dog! And to take on her own business! Animals were always important to her. She raised animals in high school and entered them in auctions at State Fairs! She met her perfect mate in Steve. He moved her to Oklahoma where there was a spacious yard for lots of dogs. He indulged her in all her dreams and wishes. Steve couldn’t say no to her. She wanted a horse, she got one. She wanted a chicken, she got one, then another, and another…. They were funny exotic chickens too. Denise was silly, kind, thoughtful, giving, and sensitive. I’ll always hear her call her cousin Natalie, Natty Ratty with a warm chuckle (She had given Natalie a black and white rat named Cowboy- what a sweet gift). I think it is Denise’s warm chuckle and smile and love that I will remember the most. I won’t forget you Denise ❤️🐴🐶🐔

To Denise’s beloved family. I am at a loss for words right now, but your loss is so much greater!Denise was such a very special person who was exceedingly gifted in too many ways to count. While I was only in her presence a couple of times, I will always remember the love she had for her beautiful family; also the love she had for horses, dogs and animals in general. It was an honor and pleasure to have known her, but moreover to know she is in her eternal home with Jesus, her Lord and Savior. May our prayers bring the family tremendous comfort and peace!
You all are well loved,
Gail Blake-Smith🙏❤️🙏