Sheryl K. Grunden

Sheryl K. Grunden, 77, passed away on August 20, 2024 at Fieldstone Memory Care in Yakima after battling Alzheimer’s.

A beloved wife and mother, Sheryl was preceded in death by her husband of more than 55 years, Michael Grunden, who passed in March of this year. He was her rock, and she missed him terribly. She was also preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Clara (Wallace) Hickenbottom.

Sheryl is survived by her children Ashley (Sean) Snow and Brady (Heather) Grunden. Sheryl’s younger sister Jenny Chapman lives in Ellensburg and was also her neighbor. Her older sister Judy Edwards lives in Westport, Washington. Sheryl adored her family, especially her grandsons Andrew Grunden, David Grunden, Cody Snow and Jake Snow. Her dad’s side of the family still gets together every summer for ‘campout’ and around Christmas time. (She had 35 first cousins!)

Sheryl was born on July 21, 1947, in Olympia, Washington. She spent her formative years in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. She first got her associate’s degree from Edmonds College and then after raising her family, received her bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University. Sheryl always enjoyed working with children. She worked in both the Edmonds and Mukilteo School Districts, before working and retiring from Central Washington University.

After living in Mukilteo, Mike and Sheryl built their second home and moved to Ellensburg and have resided in the Kittitas Valley for over 25 years. Sheryl loved nature and spent her time camping, creating a lavender farm, growing tomatoes and enjoying time on her patio. She marveled daily at the view they had from their home.

Sheryl was always active and cross-country skiing was one of her favorites. She also had a strong group of friends that she adored spending time with. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com