Sheryl McKelvy

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Sheryl McKelvy was born on July 31, 1946, in Anderson, MO to parents Lucille and T.J. Anderson. Sheryl made her transition from this earthly plane on Thursday, March 23, 2023, with her loving family by her side.

Sheryl was raised in and around Carthage, graduated from Carthage High School in 1964 and married Danny Hensley later that year. They were blessed with two children, Brent Lee and Shelly Dawn.

Sheryl married Kevin McKelvy in September 1987 and they adopted Patrick in 1991, welcoming him home at four days old.

The ultimate homemaker, Sheryl lived to provide a loving, beautiful, and delicious environment for all that had the pleasure to know her. Anyone that knew Sheryl could count on enjoying her beautiful flowers and meticulously kept lawn and home. 

Sheryl was a tireless, hard worker and known by family as our own “Energizer Bunny”! Her passion for flowers and decorating was only matched by the effort that she put into her own appearance. When one encountered Sheryl, day or night, in the yard, or on the town, you can rest assured that she was “dressed to the nines” and diligent about her hair, makeup, and those high heel shoes!

Friends and family could also rely on having a delicious meal or desert anytime an occasion arose. Sheryl delivered countless strawberry pies and other goodies over the years, always there to comfort and console.

Sheryl’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the lights of her life. She had a bond with them that filled her life with joy and will impact them for their lifetimes.

Sheryl is survived by her husband, Kevin; sisters, Dixie Vacca and Sue Barton (Butch); brother, Tom Anderson, all of Carthage; son, Brent Hensley (Karensue); daughter, Shelly DeRuy (Kurt) of Joplin; son, Patrick McKelvy of Springfield, MO; brother-in-law, Allan McKelvy; sister-in-law, Melinda Isley (John); grandchildren, Alexandria “Ali” Nichols (Ricky), Kaleb and Noah Helnsley (Caroline), Jonah and Wyatt Hensley, Brent and Sarah Hensley and Kennedy DeRuy; great grandchildren, Grayson and Beckham Nichols, Emmanuelle, Beatrice and Minerva Hensley; along with lots of nieces, nephews and their wonderful families.

A visitation will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church, 11833 Elm Rd., Carthage, on Monday March 27, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church: Maintenance Fund or Carthage Crisis Center in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.