Sherry Elaine Staton, 76, passed away May 5 at her home in rural Lincoln.

Sherry was born February 13, 1950, the daughter of Wilbur C. And Lois Hargrave Hutson. A graduate of Raymore Peculiar High School, Sherry obtained both a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education and a Master’s Degree in Mass Media from Central Missouri State University. She taught art in the Sherwood Cass R-VIII district in the early 1970’s.

Sherry married Mark Staton on June 2, 1973. They lived in Broomfield, Colorado for many years. Sherry was employed with Packaging West where she met and developed many friendships with clients. She and Mark took advantage of their surroundings with frequent mountain camping and exploring in Colorado and neighboring states. Upon their mutual retirement from their careers, Sherry and Mark purchased a farm near Cole Camp Creek. Here, Sherry reveled in retirement with gardening, exploring Missouri on day trips, helping to support the library branch in Cole Camp as well as the Stover Animal Shelter. Sherry was a voracious reader as well as a collector of antique dolls, especially Hitty dolls, in which she developed friendships from all over the world. An accomplished cook, Sherry succeeded in her personal goal of feeding as many people as possible. She was famous for her hospitality and she especially loved holidays. She and Mark enjoyed a succession of beloved cats and dogs through the years and she was also an active volunteer and board member with MOGS, the Missouri German Shepherd Rescue, helping to personally vet potential adoptees with dogs in need of good homes.

Sherry was preceded in death by her parents and her brother David.

She is survived by her husband, Mark. Her sister, Lynn Cartwright (Jimmy) of Peculiar, brother, Dean Hutson (Betty) of Harrisonville, several nieces and nephews, many cousins, and scores of friends, each who will miss her kindness, generosity, intelligence, warmth, and natural vivacity immensely.

There will be no services. Memorials may be made in Sherry’s honor to MOGS (Missouri German Shepherd Rescue).

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Warsaw Funeral and Cremation in Warsaw, Missouri.