Sherry Lynn Smith Shaw Stambaugh, 73, of the Village of Leesburg, Mercer County, graduated into the church eternal peacefully Sunday at her home in Leesburg. Her earthly death was unexpected and due to natural causes.

She was born June 17, 1943, in Grove City, to Kenneth William and Grace Margaret Cunningham Smith.

She married William John Shaw Dec. 21, 1962, and he preceded her in death April 15, 1976. She then married Levi “Pat” Stambaugh Nov. 18, 1989, and he preceded her in death Aug. 14, 2000.

Sherry graduated in 1961 from Grove City High School and continued her education at Slippery Rock State College, now called Slippery Rock University. She did so with her Bachelor of Science in elementary education. Furthermore, she held a master's degree in library science and a master's degree in counseling.

Sherry entered the teaching profession in 1963 and retired after 43 years of service. She ended her “bricks and mortar teaching,” from Laurel Elementary as a guidance counselor, but she remained a lifelong learner. She served as a private instructor, fostering the love of reading and in all things learning. Sherry knew the importance of championing the noble profession of public education. She supported young teachers who followed in this career path, while infusing hope into those who remained in service.

Sherry played an integral part in providing care to bereaved families along with her brothers, Craig and Brad, at Smith Funeral Home in Leesburg.

She was a lifetime member of Leesburg ECO Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. She attended the “Rejoys Sunday School Class.” She was the Flying Farm Queen in 1973. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star in Mercer. With sweater in hand, she was quick to participate in any activity involving family.

Her earthly inheritance includes three daughters, Melissa Lynn Shaw Davies of Volant (Ralph W. Davies), Martha Jo Shaw at the family homestead in Leesburg and Maralee Lu “Mary” and Steve Walter of Cranberry Township; two brothers, Craig C. Smith and his wife, Bonnie, of Volant, and Bradley A. Smith and his wife, Phyllis, of Slippery Rock.

Her legacy of faith, laughter and adventure further live on in her four grandchildren, Tessa Lucille and Alexander McKenzie Davies of Volant, and Jocilynn Grace and Raymond William Walter of Cranberry; her sister-in-law, Carol Shaw Harris and her husband, Richard, of Volant; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by both husbands, Bill and Pat.

You may have read in the paper today of Sherry's death, but know that such is not true. She is more alive in heaven than any of us. Until we are reunited, in His time, drink from her deep well of hope. Hear her laughter in yours. Know which is your preferred sweater of travel; use it. Bask in the memories, but remember the importance of making new ones. Where there are your tears, there also remains her love.

STAMBAUGH — Family of Sherry Lynn Smith Shaw Stambaugh, who died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, will receive friends in a celebration of life from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Smith Funeral Home in Leesburg.Funeral services will be at Leesburg ECO Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Jeff Hurst presiding. Interment will be at the Leesburg Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial contributions may be given in her name to Leesburg ECO Presbyterian Church, 1831 Perry Hwy., Volant, PA 16156.