Sheryl McDonald

Sheryl K. McDonald, the daughter of Estel and Mildred (Lupardus) Lewis, was born December 19, 1940 in Guthrie Center, Iowa and departed this life December 27, 2016 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She lived her life to the age of 76 years and 8 days.

A celebration of Sheryl’s life was held Saturday, December 31, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson with Rev. Gordon Moen officiating. Burial was made in the Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center. Musical selections played at the service were “In the Garden,” “Amazing Grace” and “Precious Lord Take My Hand.” Serving as casket bearers were Terry Miller, Gary Danielson, Ron Carper, Les Fister, Duane Miller and Eldon Cunningham. Honorary casket bearers were special friends, Pat Miller and Shirley Danielson as well as all members of the Jefferson DOES Drove No. 196 and members of the Jefferson Elks Lodge No. 2306. A memorial service conducted by the Jefferson DOES Drove No. 196 was held Friday, December 30, 2016 at the Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson.

Sheryl was raised in Guthrie Center and graduated from the Guthrie Center High School. While in high school she enjoyed playing basketball. On May 4, 1959, Sheryl Lewis was married to Richard Beane. Three children were born to this union: Doug, Sue and Dave. They raised their family in Guthrie Center and in November of 1973, the family moved to Jefferson where Richard and Sheryl operated the Sears Catalog Store. Richard died in 1984 and Sheryl operated the store for two more years and then sold it.

On September 20, 1986, Sheryl was married to Gary McDonald and they made their home in Jefferson. Sheryl received her insurance license and sold insurance for Farm Bureau for several years. Sheryl and Dennis Goshon then started Advantage Insurance in Jefferson which they operated until 2010 when they sold the business and Sheryl retired in order to travel with her husband. They made trips to Germany and Australia. Gary died in 2011 and Sheryl continued to travel taking a cruise to Hawaii and later to Alaska as well as visiting friends and family throughout the country. In July of 2015, Sheryl wanted something to do so she applied for a job at the new Wild Rose Resort in Jefferson. She worked three days a week in the casino as a machine attendant and loved meeting and visiting with the players.   

Sheryl was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson and served as a church Deacon. She was also a member of the Jefferson Benevolent and Patriotic Order of DOES Drove No. 196 where she served as an appointed or elected officer for many years including serving as Drove President in 1991. She became a Grand Lodge Member in 1992 and received several

Grand Lodge appointments in subsequent years. She was currently serving as Drove President’s Color Bearer. Sheryl also served on the Greene County Election Board for several years working at election polls.

Sheryl is survived by her children: Doug Beane (JoAnn) of Parker, Colo., Sue Gonser of Jefferson and Dave (Jo) of Audubon; step-children: Matt McDonald of Scranton, Kristin Venteicher (Gene) of Alexandria, Va. and David McDonald (Kim) of Ankeny; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Larry Lewis (Barb) of Spirit Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands and three sisters.

Brown Funeral Home, Jefferson.

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