Sheryl A. Luedke, age 73, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A woman of strong faith, she always tried to let the light of the Lord shine through to everyone she met. With Jesus in her heart, she embarked on the journey of life carrying and sharing His Word until the end.

Sheryl entered the world on August 31, 1952, born to George and Margaret Luedke in Ludington, Michigan. She was raised nearby in Summit Township, enveloped by a large, loving family and the local orchards. A proud graduate of Ludington High School, Class of 1970, she carried the warmth and values of her hometown with her throughout her life.

In 1974, Sheryl married Alfred Dodge. Together, they embarked on the ambitious project of raising their three rowdy boys, two horses, several cattle and pigs, a million rabbits (it was impossible to keep track), their faithful dog Taffy, and a rotating roster of cats. The 1980s were defined by this lively domestic circus, amplified considerably by a 1984 Honda four-wheeler. Sheryl became an unwitting expert in emergency care, calmly managing a never-ending cycle of cut fingers, scraped knees, pneumonia, and severe road rash—the latter courtesy of her son, Corbett. Through the madness, she was an unwavering pillar of strength, nearly convincing her children that she was invincible. Though the marriage eventually dissolved, Sheryl’s deep bond with and love for her extended Dodge family never did.

Intermixed with her time raising her children, Sheryl spent many years as the church secretary for Newman Chapel in Ferry, Michigan. Once the kids grew older and more independent, she tried her hand at something different. She became a fixture at The Steer-In restaurant in Shelby, Michigan where she served as a waitress, salad cook, and master cream pie baker. Her banana cream pie achieved legendary local status. She forged lifelong friendships there and always remembered those years as some of the finest of her life.

Sheryl was a woman of distinct passions. She was a formidable trivia opponent, an avid gardener, and a master preserver who could successfully put any fruit or vegetable into a canning jar or freezer bag. While her children happily devoured hundreds of jars of her green beans, peaches, and pickles, they lived in agonizing fear of the dreaded jars of canned carrots, which sat on the shelf silently waiting their turn. Whether it was recipes handed down from her Grandma Kistler, or others unapologetically stolen (then improved upon) from “the greats”, food was one of Sheryl’s favorite things and she loved to share it with everyone. Her numerous baked goods, homemade caramels, macaroni and cheese and potato salad will always be remembered.

In her later years, following her retirement from Meijer, Sheryl returned to Ludington to care for her aging mother. After her mother’s passing, she lived with her sister and their chihuahuas. Together, the duo established a sanctuary of good food and endless laughter for visiting family. She particularly cherished her trips to the Roadside market, enjoying the fresh produce, local art, friendly neighbors, and especially the Kistlercrest maple syrup.

Through it all, Sheryl left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will always be remembered and emulated by those whose lives she touched so dearly.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, George and Margaret, and her brothers, Barry and David. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Lynette) of Kentwood, Corbett (Amanda) of Shelby, and Trevor (Tara) of New Buffalo, her grandchildren, Bronson (Allie), Evan, Miles, Madison, and Wyatt, her great-grandchildren Dianna, Avan, and Callan, her siblings Loretta, George, and Shirley, a vast and cherished network of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and finally, her loyal steed, Darcy, her beloved riding lawnmower.

Funeral Service and Celebration of Life date and time to be determined.