Sherry K. (Keel) Waters

Sherry K. Waters, a friendly, intelligent, and faith-filled woman, passed away peacefully in La Porte, IN, on April 14, 2023. Born on September 18, 1925, in La Porte, IN, to J. Thomas Keel and Minnie (Schweder) Keel, Sherry lived a life full of love, laughter, and devotion to her family, friends, and community.

On February 3, 1944, Sherry married the love of her life, Howard Waters, in La Porte, IN. Together, they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before Howard preceded her in death on February 6, 2004. Sherry was also preceded in death by her parents.

Sherry is survived by her loving daughters, Judy (Russ) Bernacchi and Lynn Waters, both of La Porte; her seven cherished grandchildren, Becki Conner, Jeffery Briggs, Tony Bernacchi, Julie Sinclair, Kris Lebo, Amata Bernacchi, and Sarah Bernacchi; her 13 adored great-grandchildren, Jeff II, Josh, Faith, Christian, Jackie, Ava, Adeline, Maggie, Walt, Wilhelm, Sadie, Tessa, and Mia; and her six treasured great-great-grandchildren, Jeff III, Jalen, Jehu, Jeff, Jordon, and Charlotte. She is also survived by her dear sister, Lois Scott, and her niece, Nancy (Bob) McVay.

Sherry had a remarkable career, during which she served as the La Porte County Auditor for eight years and the La Porte County Treasurer for another eight years. Known for her signature stiletto heels, Sherry was a strong and confident leader whose presence was always felt. She was an active member of her community, serving on numerous county boards, including the County Council.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sherry was a proud member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and St. John's Lutheran Church. She also served as the President of the Hospital Auxiliary and was honored with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award for her contributions to the community.

Sherry had a passion for politics, the La Porte courthouse, and reading Amish books. She enjoyed indulging in Walker's Shortbread Cookies and taking road trips with her husband and family. Although she loved traveling, her family knew better than to try to get Sherry on an airplane!

Sherry's warm and welcoming spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her unwavering faith, intelligence, and kindness will forever be remembered and cherished by her family, friends, and the community she so diligently served.

A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor John Albers and Rev. Dr. Kendall “Ken” Schaeffer officiating. 

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church.  Cremation will take place following the service.  At a later date, inurnment will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Ave., La Porte, IN 46350 or the La Porte County Parks Dept., 0185 S. Holmsville Rd., La Porte, IN 46350.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.   

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