Sheryl Kay Hale

Sheryl Kay Hale left us on April 9, 2018, in Stillwater. Sheryl loved her family and friends and was loved by all who knew her. A memorial service to celebrate Sheryl’s remarkable life will be held Thursday, April 12th at 11:00 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church, Stillwater with the Rev. Mike Chaffin officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Dighton-Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater.

Sheryl was born on October 17, 1959, in Perry, Oklahoma to V.H. and Betty K. Cockrell and raised on their family ranch and farm. Sheryl graduated from Red Rock High School in 1977. She attended OSU where she received a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1982, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 1998, and an Ed. D. in Occupational and Adult Education in 1993.

After 24 years of experience in secondary, adult and corporate training and education, Sheryl joined the OSU Institute of Technology in 2015 and served as Associate Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development. Sheryl developed many close friendships at work and especially enjoyed her work at OSU Institute of Technology.

Sheryl loved being with her family and a multitude of friends. Most importantly, Sheryl loved sailing with her husband, Kim and daughter, Madison “Madi.” Sheryl achieved her American Sailing Association Bareboat Cruising certification. Sheryl, Kim, and Madi were truly blessed to have Madi’s grandmother, Trudy “Omi” Hale, to be in their lives and Omi’s help raising Madi. Sheryl was extremely generous with her time, including her work as troop leader with the Girl Scouts and her many years in various activities at The First United Methodist Church. She will always be remembered for looking after others before herself.

Sheryl is preceded in death by her parents, V.H. and Betty Cockrell. Sheryl is survived by the most important people in her life, her husband, Kim, and their daughter, Madi. She is also survived by Sheryl’s sister, Vicki Oltmann (Richard); brothers, Gilan Cockrell (Susan), David Cockrell (Cherry), Dale Cockrell (Judy), and Phil Lowry (Pam); cousins Steve, Richard, Tamara, Teresa, Paula, Melinda, Jamie, Nancy, Kelly; nieces and nephews Whitney, Seth, Cherry Beth, Shepard, Chase, Leslie, Abby, Jeni, Andrew, other nieces and nephews; aunt Cecelia Wood, and Kim’s family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Girl Scouts of the USA or the Austin Community Foundation/GLOW Foundation c/o Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, 5106 North Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075 in memory of Sheryl Hale.