Sheryl Lea (Geringer) Burks, 72, of Ottawa, KS, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, September 24, 2017, in Olathe, KS after a brief battle with cancer. She was born to Vincent Ray and Velma Lee (Bingham) Geringer in Kirksville, MO on February 10, 1945.

Sheryl spent her childhood years in Stillwell, KS, Princeton, KS, and Zion, Iowa. Her high school years were in Clarence, MO and later in Mt. Ayr, Iowa where she graduated from high school. Following high school, Sheryl attended her freshman year of college in Kirksville, MO. While spending her freshman summer with her sister, Anita, in Prairie Village, KS, she met her future husband. Sheryl and Victor were married on December 18, 1964, in Miami, Oklahoma.

They began their life together in Overland Park, KS where they raised three children, Victor Cletus Burks III, Kimberly Dawn Burks, and Melinda Kay Barton. Sheryl was a devoted mother and wife. She spent countless hours participating in her children's lives as a troop leader, PTA member, home room mother, and block mother. She had a passion for genealogy and helped form the Johnson County Genealogical Society. Sheryl enjoyed spending her time sewing, quilting, gardening, baking, watching classic movies, and cheering on the Jayhawks.

She is survived by her son, Victor C. Burks III (Angela) of Olathe, KS; two daughters, Kimberly Burks (Joshua Sharpe fiancé) of Leesville, SC and Melinda Barton (Joe) of Gardner, KS; seven grandchildren, Katrina and Audrey Burks, Mackenzie Madeira, Andrew Burks (Sara), Kathryn and Madison Stanley, Lauren Addison (Chad); one great-grandchild, Layla Addison; with the anticipated birth of an additional great-grandchild; one sister, Linda Proper of Clarence, MO; and one brother, Brent Geringer of NE; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Anita Cole.

A private graveside service will be held in Livingston Cemetery near Iberia, MO.