Diane M. Sherick

Diane (Meyer) Sherick, 79, of Great Falls, (hometown Butte) passed away in her home peacefully on August 13, 2021, in the arms of her loving husband, Jack. Diane was born in Butte to Sigmund O. and Claire (Hochfelt) on June 10, 1942. She was impacted early in life by the loss of her mom who died when Diane was 11, from Multiple Sclerosis. Diane became the center of Sig’s life, and their father-daughter bond was inseparable. During those special years, Diane learned to appreciate travel to family, loyalty to sports teams, and enjoying life experiences. A bonus for Diane at the age of 18, was the addition of her sister, Stephanie (Gevurtz) Jennings who was 12 at the time when Sig married Stephie’s mom, Zelma Gevurtz. Later, Sig married Dorothy (Fendrich) who became a loving family member for more than 40 years. Diane grew up on Butte’s west side attending McKinley Grade School. At Butte High School, she met the love of her life, Jack Sherick, who was by her side for the remaining 62 years of her life, married for over 57 years. Graduating Butte High as the salutatorian, Diane attended University of California Berkeley for two years. In 1963, Jack and Diane were married in Butte melding together their Catholic and Jewish faiths. Diane earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Montana State University. Diane lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho from 1963-1979 where her three kids were born. She was fully involved in the raising of her family. Weekends and holidays were spent with Jack’s brother, Don and his wife, Joy, and their kids on family outings, camping, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors. Family games and playing cards also became an integral part of Diane’s family and social life. She loved to play games. She was also an active den mother, PTO volunteer, and engaged in many of her children’s activities. A relocation to Butte with Jack’s job in 1979 was the opportunity for Diane to return to her hometown and continue to support her kids. After her children were raised, she returned to MSU to gain certification and worked as a substitute teacher. Diane worked as a bookkeeper for Dr. Phillip Milanovich, The Butte Copper King Inn, and started Heavenly Occasions boutique with friends. Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991 and became a survivor with a “can do” attitude. She was a dedicated participant and volunteer in the Relay for Life for many years. She became a duplicate bridge player which turned into a lifelong passion. Bridge has been an avenue for expanded friendships in every town Jack and Diane have resided. The final chapter of Diane’s life was lived in Great Falls since 2003, where Diane continued to engage in service and volunteer activities including PEO Chapter I where she served as President and made many dear friends. She also was active in the Great Falls Duplicate Bridge Unit 408 where she became an ACBL Director and achieved her Silver Life Masters. Civic duty in the form of serving as an election judge as well as, volunteering for Presidential visits highlighted Diane’s patriotic heart. Many people have been impacted by her baking, which she loved to do for others. Great neighbors are a theme throughout Diane’s life, and she was grateful for the special relationships formed with neighbors along the way. Diane lived a meaningful life of devotion to her family and to others. She was fully committed to community service through volunteer work, not only as a participant, but leading organizations. For her work in scouting, she was honored with the Silver Beaver award, one of the first women in the state of Montana to receive the honor. She also served as the Supreme Deputy of Montana for the International Order of Rainbow girls, the highest-ranking officer for the state. Diane was a proud and loyal MSU Bobcat, through and through. She received the Blue and Gold Award given to MSU alumni for their service to the state. Diane was preceded in death by her father and mother; daughter, Vicki Sherick Hawkesworth; and her niece, Zel Jennings. She is survived by her husband, Jack; son, Michael (Susan); daughter, Heidi (Erin Cech); son-in-law, Scot Hawkesworth (Karen); grandchildren, Matthew Sherick (Kelly), Sydney Sherick, Jake Hawkesworth, and Rachel Hawkesworth; sister, Stephanie Jennings; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Joy Sherick; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Among all of her lifelong accomplishments, Diane was most proud of her children and grandchildren. Despite being separated by thousands of miles, Diane made it a priority and was able to attend all of her grandkids’ high school and college graduations, along with several other milestone events. From the very beginning and through her partnership with Jack, she influenced a lot of lives, modeling the way, defining diversity and inclusion, putting others before self, and practicing service and leadership, all while raising her family. Her legacy lives on. Together we can. The family would like to extend gratitude and appreciation for the thoughtful care Diane received over the years from Mary Gray, FNP. A memorial service will be held in Butte on Friday, August 20, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home, 1800 Florence Ave with a reception following. Private inurnment will be at the Mountain View Cemetery. A gathering for Great Falls friends with the family will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Inn. There has been a Sherick Family Endowment (fund # 93603) established at the Montana State University Foundation. To honor Diane, please send checks to: MSU Alumni Foundation, PO Box 172750, Bozeman MT 59717-2750 or go online to www.msuaf.org/give and note that it is in memory of Diane Sherick. Memorials may also be made to the “Sig” Meyer Scholarship Fund c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 3650 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT 59701, the Montana Council BSA, 820 17th Avenue SW, Great Falls, MT 59401, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.