Sherry Jean Howe Byrd of Leavenworth passed away June 11,2023 at the Olathe Hospice House, Olathe Kansas. After 9 years she lost her courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 12,1967 in Manhattan Kansas.
She attended Riley County Schools in Riley Kansas and graduated 1985. At the age of 5 she started taking piano lessons. She also learned to play the guitar, clarinet and saxophone in her youth. At the age of 16 she began to teach piano lessons to local students. Sherry taught piano lessons for 29 years. In December1998 she graduated from Kansas State University with a teaching degree. As a member of the Kansas State marching band, she played saxophone for 2 years.
She started teaching at the Leavenworth School District West middle school, teaching sixth grade science classes. On one occasion she spoke with John Glenn the astronaut, and with his assistance linked her class to the International space station to communicate with the astronauts. She had a profound ability to connect with her students and share her love of science. She helped organize summer classes and curriculum in the district.
She continued her membership with the Riley Presbyterian church in Riley Kansas. Sherry married James "Jim" Byrd on March 18, 2005. Sherry was loved and loved her family. She was a wonderful, kind and loving person and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.
She leaves behind her husband Jim and parents Gene and Sharon Howe, a brother Scott (Rose) Howe all of Riley, Kansas. Two nephews Lane (Maddie) Howe of Leonardville and Wyatt (Vannah) Howe of Riley. Two nieces Kori Howe of Manhattan and Miah Howe of Courtland. She has three great nieces Aubrey Brazzle, Poppy Howe and Ava Howe. She also is survived by two stepdaughter Angie Byrd & Crystal Pultz and one step granddaughter Brittany Pultz of Leavenworth. Along with two step grandsons Michael and Brandon of Leavenworth. Two step great-grandsons Da'Marius Horton and Kohan Pultz and one step great-granddaughter Lilly
Byrd. Visitation at 11am and funeral service will be at 1 pm Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Davis Funeral Home of Leavenworth, Kansas. Grave-side service will be held Tuesday, June 20 at 1 pm, Fairview Cemetery at Riley, Kansas, with Kevin Larson officiating.