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Obituary for Sherry Lynn Roosth
Sherry Lynn Roosth of Dallas lost her long fight with cancer on January 8, 2015.
Born January 23, 1944 in El Paso, Sherry grew up in Tyler, where her parents, the late Isadore and Pauline Heffler Roosth, moved to join his family’s business. She studied at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and earned her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Houston before beginning a long marketing and advertising career.
She began her advertising director for Foley’s Department Store in Houston, Sherry moved to Dallas for a similar position with Joske’s Department Store, later also serving as copy chief for Bombay Company in Fort Worth. She then became a consultant to clients in specialty retail, the printing industry, and the non-profit sector, before joining the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas as a marketing associate.
Sherry continued to contribute her skills to the Federation as a volunteer in many capacities. Meyer Denn, executive director of its Center for Jewish Education, praised her “passionate advocacy,” citing Sherry’s ongoing commitment to the Center’s annual LearningFest, its Tycher Library, and youth scholarship programs. At her death, she was still a member of the CJE’s Advisory Committee and on the Board of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, which she had served earlier as newsletter editor.
Sherry also furthered her own education through local courses offered by the international Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. After completing its two-year core program, she continued with several years of graduate work while serving on its Advisory Board, assisting with communications efforts. “Sherry was smart, engaged, always finding something of interest,” said Director Rachelle Weiss Crane. “She will be missed.”
Survivors include siblings Susie Roosth (Marian Powell) of Dallas, H. Diane Roosth (Amos Hall) of Los Angeles, Sam Roosth of Tyler, and Toni Roosth (Fred Gray) of Little Rock, Arkansas; nephew Isaac Roosth; nieces Rachel Roosth, Polly Hall (Andrew Barkan) and Mimi Hall (Russell Gottschalk), great nephew Izzy as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and many devoted friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas’ Center for Jewish Education, Florence Melton School, the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Tyler TX, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra or to a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held at Stewart Family Funeral Home on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 10:00 AM, followed by burial in Ahavath Achim Synagogue Cemetery, both in Tyler, Texas. Messages of condolence may be posted to http://www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.
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George Richardson
Sherry was the classmate who remained a constant in my life. She exemplified the magical asset a true friend represents. I'll always remember the crisp, fall day in Dallas when she abruptly pulled into a gas station, jumped out and grabbed a gas nozzle when self-service was a new concept. As I bolted to her "rescue", she barked like a drill sergeant --- "I'VE GOT THIS!" This gorgeous, sophisticated lady, sparkling in the sunshine, a vision in beige and gold, the essence of taste and culture and charm -- pumpin' gas and laughing a laugh sufficiently lusty to make God beam with pride. Sherry was the essence of Steel Magnolia, the South's greatest gift -- that mix of grace and intellect, compassion and poise, beauty of looks and spirit wrapped around a spine of surgical steel. To be truly known by a Steel Magnolia is a blessing: failure to maintain your own standards is noted with breathtaking clarity, and God help he who hasn't the sense to say "Yessum"! I was sometimes reduced to fury at the hand my friend was dealt. The death of her great love, that first awful bout with cancer. She took it in stride, not with bravado, but with elan. She was a stranger to self-pity. She was a friend who inspired the best in others, who soothed hurts and disappointments. What she'd advise, you just knew, was said in your best interests. She had a miraculous talent for sending a clipping, picture, note or email that seemed custom-made, dead-center-amazing-on-target for reversing gloom and doubt. I always felt better for the experience when departing her company, conversation, letter, word. Her insatiable curiosity produced encyclopedic understanding and professional-grade political acumen. We Goldwater teens became Warren-Sanders leftists. We rejoiced. Sherry had little patience for a lazy mind; she was quick to note transgressions and thereby, as was her habit, made me a better me. And then the second war with cancer that most resembled the Biblical trials of Job. Her resolve never faltered. She’d report, without comment, the numbers defining her condition; the direction, unmistakable. When grief for just an instant cracked my voice, she commanded, “We aren’t going there!” We didn’t. I never wanted to disappoint Sherry; her friendship was a treasure, her spirit and courage were more than inspiring. I will go to my grave resenting that life did not do her justice.
Marshall Davidson
George Richardson's comments about Sherry are so beautifully stated that I thank him for saying what I feel about her generous spirit and tenacious love of life. Few women or men have been so kind and so stong for so long.
Marshall Davidson
Nancy Carter (Dahm)
I so appreciate Geoge's beautiful tribute to Sherry. Sherry and I were friends in high school and kept in occasional touch after college, but then mostly lost contact. Since our last REL reunion, she and I were in sometimes occasional, other times more frequent, e-mail contact. I very much admired her sense of humor, her bravery and her strong spirit, particularly as she faced her final months. Thank you, George, and thank you, Sherry, for offering us such an admirable example of grace under fire.
Linda Dorough (Jernigan)
I agree with Nancy. I was truly moved by George's tribute. I did not know Sherry well; but after reading George's and Marshall's accolades, I was jerked into an awareness of what a strong and influential presence she was.
~ Linda Dorough Jernigan