Wadell, AZ - Sheryle Cortez (née Terry) of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born in Wichita, Kansas, to J.H. and Myrtle Pauline Terry and grew up on a farm in Valley Farms, Arizona.

A lifelong educator, Sheryle earned a bachelor's degree in English and secondary education from the University of Arizona and a master's degree in education from Northern Arizona University. She began her teaching career in Tucson before becoming a co-owner and preschool teacher at the Early Childhood Learning Center at Mountain Avenue Church of Christ.

After moving to Phoenix in 1989, Sheryle joined the Tolleson Elementary School District, where she taught junior high language arts and gifted students. She also organized and chaperoned several student trips to Washington, D.C. She later transitioned to her role as leader of the career ladder program, mentoring teachers districtwide before retiring in 2010. She was passionate about education and loved her students.

Sheryle was a loving mother to her three children—sons, Terry and Devin, and daughter, Kate. She faced every challenge with strength, generosity, and grace, always putting her family first.

She is survived by her children, her sister Patricia, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Cortez family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Good Nurses for their compassion during Sheryle's final months. Donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association.