Sherry Lee Rogers

Obituary

Sherry, a true lover of the great outdoors, embarked on her final journey on August 9, 2024. Her passion for traveling and hiking was not just a hobby but a way of life that she embraced wholeheartedly. From the moment she set foot on a trail, she felt at home, surrounded by the beauty and serenity of nature.

Her love for hiking led her to explore 17 states, from the rugged trails of California and Washington to the scenic paths of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. She hiked in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, leaving her mark on each place she visited. Her journeys extended to Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the vibrant fall foliage of New York and Maine. In the quieter corners of Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland, she found the same joy she experienced in more renowned hiking destinations. Sherry also explored the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru with a group of friends. Among all these adventures, the Appalachian Trail held a special place in her heart, offering her a profound connection with the natural world.

She traveled to numerous National and State Parks and Forests, with some of her most notable journeys taking her to the rugged coastline of Point Reyes National Seashore, Yosemite National Park, Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park. She stood in awe of the Giant Redwoods at Redwood National and State Parks and marveled at the vastness of the Grand Canyon, the lush beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the iconic Mount Rushmore, and the striking landscapes of Jackson Hole. Her travels with her granddaughter Alyssa took them to the breathtaking Glacier National Park, the serene Olympic National Park, the stunning Antelope Canyon, and the majestic Zion National Park. They explored the unique formations of Bryce Canyon National Park, the rugged terrain of Capitol Reef, the adventurous trails in Moab, and the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park.

Photography was Sherry's way of capturing the world through her eyes, freezing moments in time to be cherished forever. With her camera always by her side, she documented her journeys, ensuring that the beauty she encountered was never forgotten. Whether it was the sunrise over the mountains, the delicate petals of a wildflower, or the laughter of her grandchildren, Sherry's photographs told the story of a life well-lived, full of love, adventure, and discovery.

Some of Sherry's most memorable travels were those shared with her beloved husband, Bill. Together, they explored some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, creating cherished memories along the way. They took three unforgettable trips to Yellowstone National Park, where they hiked to its various waterfalls, each journey leaving them with a profound sense of wonder. In Maui, they hiked the majestic Haleakalā before biking into the charming community of Pā'ia. The island of Kauai revealed its beauty to them from above during a breathtaking helicopter tour. Bermuda’s pink sandy beaches at Elbow Beach provided a serene backdrop for their stay. Some of their favorite and frequented local getaways found them at peace in the breathtaking landscapes of Shenandoah National Park. When winter arrived, they sought solace in the tranquil beauty of Swallow Falls State Park during weekend trips to Deep Creek, Maryland, where the snow-covered scenery became their winter wonderland. Summers often found them walking along the pristine shores of Assateague Island, where the sound of the waves and the soft sand beneath her feet brought her unparalleled joy.

In addition to her love for the outdoors, Sherry found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid reader, always with a book in hand, and a talented writer, expressing her thoughts and feelings through poetry and prose. Her creative spirit shone through in her crafts, where she found relaxation and satisfaction in making things with her hands. Watching birds brought her a sense of peace, while tending to her plants and working on her landscaping projects allowed her to create beauty in her surroundings. Sherry also had a fondness for retail therapy, finding joy in the little things she would discover during her shopping trips.

Sherry, affectionately known as "Mimi" by her six grandchildren, found immense joy in blending her passion for travel with her love for her grandkids. Known on social media as "6 for Mimi," she cherished each of her six grandchildren, whose ages range from 24 to 1. Mimi's adventures included a memorable road trip with Alyssa, spanning over 15 states and exploring nearly a dozen national and state parks, and an unforgettable journey to Maine with Makyla. She also enjoyed a fun-filled weekend at Ocean City and Assateague Island with "Papa" and Aubrey watching the two of them dance over waves. Although she didn't get to travel with Mason, Savannah, and Caroline, Mimi made sure to create lasting memories with them by playing games, doing crafts, exploring the outdoors, and indulging with all her grandkids in their shared love for desserts. For Sherry, being Mimi was more than a title; it was a role she embraced with boundless love and enthusiasm.

Her legacy is one of exploration, adventure, and an unwavering love for the natural world, her grandchildren, and the arts. To her six beloved grandchildren, she was a source of joy, fun, and endless creativity. Her travels and hikes were more than just about reaching a destination; they were about the experiences shared, the challenges overcome, the beauty discovered, and the inspiration found along the way. From road trips across the country to exploring state parks and playing games at home, Sherry's adventurous spirit, boundless love, and wild heart will forever be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to share in her journey. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the wild landscapes she adored, in the photographs she took, in the art she created, and in the hearts of her grandchildren, who were always her greatest adventure.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Park Foundation, supporting the preservation of the natural parks and trails that brought Sherry so much joy throughout her life.

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