Sherra Lynn Spike of Hermiston passed away in Beaverton on Jan. 8, 2024 at the age of 80.
She was born on Oct. 18, 1943 in Pendleton to Burl and Verna Campbell Abel.
Sherra grew up in Eastern Oregon with her brothers (Gary and Wayne) and many cousins. She attended Weston Mountain Elementary School in the primary years, along with schools in the Pendleton and Stanfield school districts. She graduated from Stanfield High School in the class of 1961. After high school she attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, Wash., where she studied business administration. She began her career with Dr. Rasmussen as an office manager. She continued working in this role at the Hermiston Medical Clinic until she retired.
Sherra married her high school sweetheart, Stephen H. Spike on Feb. 18, 1967 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hermiston, where they resided and built a family. The couple enjoyed a wonderful life together and they were always by each other’s side. She was an integral part of Stephen’s successful dental practice. Their children (Tamry and Todd) were a big part of their journey. Between raising them and supporting their interests (dance and basketball), perhaps their favorite part was being involved in their grandchildren’s adventures. They were married for 55 years and built many memories within their home and beyond with family and friends.
Sherra was known as a caring, classy, and devoted lady. She was an avid reader and a “professional” shopper and enjoyed playing piano, music, dancing, going to coffee socials, and hosting/planning/attending many events for family and friends. She was a faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where she enjoyed being involved in many ways. She also loved to care for her family members and friends by doing their hair, make-up, and nails for special moments. She was a caregiver at heart and had a knack for making everyone around her feel special. She enjoyed many trips to the Oregon coast with her family and to find the sun in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with family and friends every January. She loved spending time with them and building lifelong memories.
She is survived by her daughter, Tamry Sue Parzybok; son, Todd Stephen (Nicki) Spike; five grandchildren, Willow, Addison, Mackenzie, Emma, and Kadence; brother, Wayne Abel; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen on March 16, 2022; her parents, Burl and Verna Abel; a brother, Gary Abel; and son-in-law, Timothy Parzybok.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 665 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston.
A private family burial was in the Echo Cemetery.
The family would also like to thank The Pilgrim AFH for the care, love, and support for Sherra.
Family suggests memorial donations be made to Made to Thrive, P.O. Box 684, Hermiston, Ore., 97838 or www.madetothrive.org.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
