Sherry Diane Clarner Olson Spartz, 72, of Sycamore, died Saturday, November 27, 2021 at her home.

Born April 4, 1949, at St. Mary's Hospital in Dekalb, IL to Walter (Bud) & Agnes (Perry) Clarner. She was the second born of five children.

Sherry grew up in Sycamore and was very proud of her hometown. As a young child she was active in Lassie League Softball League and was on one of the first girl's teams to play under the lights. She cherished this memory of pitching that game as one of her fondest memories. She loved attending Sunday School at the First Baptist church and was active in the Pioneer Girl Program. She was devoted to memorizing Bible verses and earning badges while in the program. At the age of nine she took the Lord into her heart and was baptized into the church at the same time as her dad. Her continued strong faith gave her strength throughout her life journey.

Sherry was a 1967 graduate of Sycamore High School. While attending high school she was proud to be part of the cheerleading squad and on the Homecoming Queen Court. She was a participant in the work program, Diversified Program (D.O.) and worked in the First Aid Department at Anaconda Wire & Cable Company. Her time spent there inspired her later to become an Occupational Health Nurse. Following high school graduation, she attended the Professional Business Institute in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from there as a medical assistant and returned to Sycamore and was employed by Dr. Harold J. Trapp at the Sycamore Clinic. As a result of her employment there she chose to further her education. She attended the Rockford Memorial School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. After graduation she resumed employment with Dr. Trapp and later was employed by General Electric Company Dekalb, IL. While working at GE she became a certified Occupational Health Nurse and was proud to achieve the honor of servicing as a Regional Nurse. In 2000, she received the Excellence in Nursing award. She retired from GE in 2011.

Sherry married Ronald Olson in 1976, and they had three children, Mike, Kristina (Krissy), and Leslee. They later divorced. Sherry was a devoted mother to her children and being a "Mom" was one of the greatest highlights of her life. Providing her children with love, care, discipline, guidance, and opportunities was her priority of parenting. She was always the #1 fan at her children's sports activities.

She was a caring and loving "Gram" and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

It was important to always have treats for the kids on hand as well as craft supplies. Playing games and knowing the kids loved playing in the "back forty" always put a smile on her face and warmth in her heart.

In 2014, she married George Spartz, at the Chapel in the Pines, Sycamore. They spent time traveling by RV and enjoyed their winters in Arizona. Many adventures and new experiences were shared. A couple of her favorite memories were experiencing shopping in Mexico, touring an old Ore mine in Arizona, and visiting Old Tucson & watching an old-fashioned western show. After the RV travel, the winters were then spent in Florida at their home in Punta Gorda. Much working was done to create the perfect décor in their home. Many trips to the beach, boat rides, flea markets, playing cards, and trying new restaurants with best friends were good times spent in Florida.

Sherry is survived by her loving husband, George; and her children, Michael (Tracy) Olson, Kristina Olson (Don Flink), and Leslee Olson; stepsons, Chris (Alicia) Spartz and Kevin (Teri) Spartz. She is also survived by her grand-children, Michael, Charlie, Will Olson, Warren and Nolan Flink, Max Law, Alexa and Jarrett Spartz, and Sadie and Riley Spartz. Her siblings, Ron (Connie) Clarner, Terri (Lance) Korsten, and Gerri (Harold) Shearer; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Don Clarner; her grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Her visitation will be Friday, December 3, from 4:00-8:00pm at the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory in Sycamore.

All friends and family are invited to a luncheon at the Sycamore VFW, 121 S. California St., Sycamore, IL 60178 on Saturday December 4, at 1:00pm to celebrate Sherry's life.

The service and burial will be private.

Memorials can be made to the Sycamore VFW Auxiliary, in care of Butala Funeral Home, 1405 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

To sign the online guestbook, please go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com