Sherryl Burke

Sherryl Burke was born on May 22, 1938, in Halfway, Oregon, to parents Teen and Dorthea (Lee) Reuter. She was raised in both Halfway and Adrian, Oregon, where she developed the strong work ethic and lively spirit that would define her life.

Sherryl married Arthur Warren, and together they welcomed seven children. She later married Malcom Burke, and they added two more children to the family. Sherryl and Malcom spent many happy years in Meacham before making Union their permanent home.

Known affectionately around town as the “lawn lady,” Sherryl was a dedicated worker who took great pride in her craft. It was common to see her driving her truck through town with her patriotic trailer in tow, always on her way to her next project.

Sherryl had a passion for decorating her yard and for sewing. She spent countless hours creating quilts for her family and her community, each one stitched with care and love. She enjoyed decorating her yard with just about anything, but she especially loved frogs—of every shape, size, and design. Her love of frogs became such a joyful part of her personality that she playfully wrote into her will that everyone named in it would receive a frog.

She also adored animals—especially her dogs and cats—who were a constant source of joy in her life.

Sherryl loved music and cherished adventures with her daughters. Some of her favorite outings were simple trips for ice cream and milkshakes, moments that brought her great happiness.

She was the proud mother of Jack Warren, Dorthea Sutor, Arthur Warren, Sherryl Barrett, Sean Warren, Stuart Warren, Regena Warren, Lee Burke, and Melea Miller. She was also a devoted grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her siblings were Gordon, Bonnie, Pat, Mike, Donna and Nora.

She now joins her parents, her husband, two sons, her siblings, one granddaughter, and two great-grandsons who passed before her.

Contributions in memory of Sherryl may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association, 3212 Hwy 30, La Grande, OR 97850.

A service honoring Sherryl’s life will be held on December 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels-Knopp Chapel in La Grande. Committal and interment will follow at the Union Victorian Cemetery.  A small luncheon will follow in Union; details will be announced at the service.

All are invited to join in celebrating her life and sharing memories of this remarkable woman. In celebrating her life, we also celebrate the simple phrase she used to wrap every conversation in affection: “LOVE YOU MORE.” May those words continue to echo in our hearts and remind us of the joy she brought to so many.