Romola Sherrod

Romola Sherrod lived a life marked by boundless love and devotion to her family. With a beautiful smile that would light up any room, she could always be counted on to bring people together for a big meal or family gathering and make them feel welcome. Romola’s role as a mother defined her. By nurturing, providing for, and looking over her children, she built a legacy of love that endures through each new generation.

As “The Roaring Twenties” wound down in 1928, the Great Depression loomed just over the horizon and the nation was still caught up in the social and technological innovations that characterized the period after the end of World War I. Many things we take for granted were just emerging: automobiles were becoming increasingly affordable and more common, the rise of radio introduced new forms of mass entertainment and led to the birth of networks that we still know today, and Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in the Steamboat Willie cartoon. On July 19, 1928, Romola Price was born in Gobles, Michigan.

Romola grew up in Kalamazoo alongside her brother, Jesse and sisters: Mary, and Bonnie. Her father, William, was a farmer who later worked as a tool and die maker, and her mother, Delphine, was a nurse. As a young child, Romola’s neighbor Glen Sherrod was often her babysitter. Years later, they fell in love and were married. Glen and Romola’s marriage brought them four beautiful children: Glen, Jr., Daniel, Susan, and Mary. Romola loved being a mother, and described the births of her four children as the best days of her life. Her husband Glen used to say that if it were up to Romola they would’ve had a dozen children! Although they divorced after 25 years of marriage, they remained good friends until Glen’s passing in 2008. Their children considered themselves lucky as a family that even after the divorce, Glen and Romola continued to celebrate holidays and family gatherings together.

After graduating high school, Romola spent the majority of her working life at Meijer, where she served in a number of different capacities. In her later years, she worked in the pharmacy, and eventually retired from Meijer after many years of service. In her free time, Romola loved to dance; she would often go out with close friends to spend an evening on the dance floor. She was also known for her exceptionally beautiful singing voice, and many who heard her thought that she could have sung professionally. Before her sister Mary passed, she and Romola often traveled to Florida together. Romola also enjoyed going to the casino, but she was very disciplined. She’d play the penny slots, only gambling $15 at a time and stopping when it was gone. Her favorite television shows were Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and family knew that even though she loved talking to them, it was best to wait to call until her shows were over.

Romola also had a few furry companions she came to love over the years. For many years Romola had two singing canaries named Derbingo and Sherbert. She said the birds filled her home with their beautiful song. She also owned Yorkshire Terriers that she loved very much. Romola’s last Yorki, Kori, passed away at the age of 15, just before her own illness. Kori was her constant companion and brought her great joy.

Throughout her life, Romola’s life revolved around her family. She could always be counted on to bring people together, and was an exceptional cook who loved making big meals for her family, especially at the holidays. Romola will always be remembered as an amazing, loving, and giving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her favorite saying was “it’s all about family,” and she truly lived that saying through her actions each and every day. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Romola Sherrod, age 88, died November 13, 2016 in Kalamazoo surrounded by her loving family. Romola was born on July 19, 1928 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of William and Delphine (Garretson) Price. She was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Joseph Sherrod and sister, Mary Martell. Surviving are 3 children: Glen Sherrod, Jr., Susan K. (Mark) Davis and Mary L. (Douglas) Hammerberg; grandchildren: Lindsay (Jason) Manion, Ashley (John) McPheters, Kyle, Hayley and Chase Hammerberg; great-grandchildren: JJ, Carter, Liliana, James, Anneliese and William Manion, and John “Jack” and Joshua McPheters; 2 siblings: Jesse (Helen) Price and Bonnie (Chuck) Crummel; and nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with viewing one hour prior. Burial at East Cooper Cemetery followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Please visit Romola’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.