Sheryl Ann Ellinger

April 1, 1955 - January 12, 2023

Sheryl and her sister Carol, born on April 1, 1955 in White Plains NY were a most wonderful April Fool’s blessing, as mother Mary Jane (Kroll) and Robert Livingston had not an inkling they would have twins.

Sheryl and Carol spent their formative years in Louisville, KY. She attended Eastern Kentucky University graduating with a degree in education. As a little sis of SAE Fraternity she met her future husband Robert “Beef” Ellinger, to whom she had been married for 46 years.

They settled in Dayton, Ohio where Beef was employed at GM. Sheryl began her illustrious teaching career with Centerville City Schools as a special ed teacher in 1978 until 1980 had her son Rob. It was during her sabbatical year tending Rob that Sheryl embarked on her Walk with the Lord with the loving guidance of sister-in-law Susan Kinderdine, and mother-in-law, Marie Ellinger.

She was offered a position with the Bellbrook Sugarcreek Schools, initially in special education and completed her career as a 4th Grade teacher, during while she gave birth to daughter Beth Ann, who was to follow in her footsteps and become a teacher as well.

Sheryl managed to obtain her master’s degree from Wright State University, all while raising Rob and Beth Ann teaching full time. She often gave credit to chocolate covered espresso beans as her mainstay.

Exemplary of her love and dedication to her students, Sheryl worked continuously until February 2020 when she was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer.

Instead of wallowing she embraced her time after her diagnosis as an “opportunity” to finally achieve the life balance she had longed for. She joined a Bible Study and volunteered at food pantries.

An incident related by one of Sheryl’s many hospital visitors that so typifies her Faith and fortitude, which never faltered during her three year struggle.

“I’ve nothing to fear or complain about. I’ve lived the life I most wanted, and am assured of where I’m going. I’m at complete peace with this.”

Sheryl rather than being saddened by the situation, in her special way, actually lifted the visitor.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Crayons to Classrooms, Hospice of Dayton or American Cancer Society.