Sheryl Ricco

Sheryl Ricco, 67, of Midland passed away June 29, 2023.  Viewing will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, July 7, 2023 at the Branch at npw.  Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Mid-Cities 191.

Sherry – “Sheeeeer” – Mom passed away suddenly and tragically on a Thursday in June. If you didn’t know her, you missed out. Her gentle touch, handhold, or embrace and thoughtful words calmed many storms. No one, including the dogs, would want for anything in her presence.

She was a classically trained ballerina who, with immense courage, moved by herself from Pampa, Texas to New York City to pursue her dream, living on canned tuna and peanut butter. There, she ultimately met her husband of 42 years, Henry Ricco, who fondly remembers the fortune he spent in cab fares to see her every day at the Lone Star Cafe. She was an avid lover of a clean house, a mowed lawn, a sesame seed bagel, and a good movie. She was a damn fine cook – even if you never tried them, you’ll miss her roasted peppers. She loved a good afternoon nap with her husband and dog Charlie. She battled and beat breast cancer with grace and poise.

She was the selfless, beloved, and ever-doting mother to Jessica Spencer and Joseph Ricco, but many others also considered her mom. She always knew how to keep the bathroom warm for when you got out of the bath and when to squeeze your hand at just the right moment.

She enjoyed lively banter over Red Lobster takeout with her mother Norma on a weekly basis.

She was adored in one of her favorite roles as Oma to Elissa and Matthew and is surely looking down in anticipation of her newest grandson due in August. She is holding her grandsons Michael and Sam in Heaven right now, probably taking turns with her beloved father, “Whitey” and sister Eva.

She is survived by her husband, Henry Ricco, daughter Jessica Spencer, son Joseph Ricco, grandchildren Ellie and Matthew Spencer, mother Norma Whiteley, sisters Barbie Mousa and Theresa Young, and brother Mike Whiteley.

She is preceded in death by her father, Thelbert Maurice Whiteley and her sister, Eva Marie Poole.

We are truly shaken and humbled in our grief in losing you. We can still hear your laugh. If there is one thing we’ve learned, it’s that life is fragile. In true Sherry fashion, in an instant, you changed so much.

In lieu of flower, donations can be made in memory of Sherry Ricco to Pink the Basin (www.pinkthebasin.com).

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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