Maridel Kay Sherk

SHERK, Maridel Kay Travis, age 88, of Dayton, Ohio died peacefully in her home on February 17, 2024. A registered nurse, chef, teacher, financial advisor, friend, daughter, mother and wife, Maridel released her spirit to join the love of her life, William M. Sherk, Sr., in Heaven. 

The only child of Marie (Brenke) and Delbert A. Travis of St. John’s, MI, Maridel spent her early years moving throughout Michigan as her father’s job with Goodyear determined. It was during WWII in Detroit where she became a Tigers fan, and her love of baseball (and a good coupon) began. Her family's move to Ohio was a turning point. She made perfect grades and lifelong friends at Mariemont High School earning a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati (B.S.N. 1957, Kappa Kappa Gamma) and became a Reds fan. At U.C., she met a handsome medical student, Bill Sherk. They married days after their graduation and began their grand tour in life while Bill served in the US Air Force (last at Tyndall AFB). Eventually, the young couple settled in Oakwood, Ohio to raise their growing family. As an only child, Maridel dreamt of having a large family, and she made good on that.

Maridel lived her life devoted to the welfare of others. A member of Christ United Methodist Church, The Dayton Women’s Club, Honorary Emeritus member of The Junior League of Dayton, and former Trustee and President of the Visiting Nurses Association. She was a room mom, a scout leader, cheerleader, taxi driver and short-order chef so her children could pursue their interests. She loved to watch sports, all kinds, but especially when it was her children playing. Her many interests included travel (all over the world), reading, dancing and knitting (especially prayer shawls), but perhaps she will be best known for incredible knowledge and abilities when it came to all things gastronomic. Knowing little more than how to burn a casserole when she got married, Maridel studied cookbooks like they were textbooks. She took classes in Dayton, as well as in France, Italy, China and New York City (notably at the Institute of Culinary Education and with the great Chef James Beard). Vacations would only be complete with a fabulous meal at a Michelin starred restaurant. She shared her exceptional talents with her family and dear friends, but also contributed cooking ideas to the Dayton Journal Herald, hosted dinners for visiting Junior League Town Hall notables, gave area fundraiser cooking classes, and contributed recipes for several community cookbooks.

The last of a great generation of our family, Maridel was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by children: William, Jr. (Joni), Arik (Debbie), Chris, Stuart (Julie), Derek, Kirsten (Robert King); grandchildren: William, III (Miriam), Grace, Robert (Alex), Thomas, Audrey, Steven, Isabel, Adam, Ian, Becket, McKay; great grandchildren: William, IV, Lucille, Peyton, Blake; and nephew and nieces. We extend our gratitude to Cathy, Camry, Tabatha and Mercedes, her devoted caregivers, who cared for her with compassion and kindness.

Maridel was the greatest wing man in the world. She will be dearly missed. 

Funeral services will be on May 18th, 10:00 A.M. at Christ United Methodist Church, Kettering, Ohio with reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the University of Cincinnati Foundation Fund for Nursing or Christ Church United Methodist.