Sheryl Lee Bostwick

Sheryl Lee (Whelchel) “Mert” Bostwick, 74 of Ponca, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 31, 2021, after a 15 year-long battle against cancer.  Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Christ the King Church in Ponca, with Pastor Jeff Peters officiating.  Burial will follow at Maskell Cemetery in Maskell, Nebraska.  Visitation will be Wednesday, November 3rd from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church with family present at 6:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Mohr Funeral Home of Ponca is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com

Mert was born on March 16, 1947 in Sioux City, Iowa to Ervin and Rose (Wagner) Whelchel, the youngest of thirteen children.  She lived in Sioux City most of her growing-up years and graduated from the Sioux City School System. 

Mert married Clement “Kelly” Bostwick on September 26, 1966.  To that union, one daughter, Christine Lee was born.  Even though their marriage did not last, Kelly and Mert always supported each other.  They maintained a strong and lasting friendship and mutual respect for each other to the end.

Mert was a dependable and reliable employee.  She worked as a cashier when she and Kelly lived in California and after they moved to Nebraska, she worked for MidAmerican Energy, Joe Morten/Great West Casualty, and for Bostwick Fencing.

Mert was always able to brighten everyone’s day with her fun disposition, with her contagious and beautiful laughter.  She had a great singing voice but would never exhibit it in public.  Mert was always supportive of others and preferred to stand in the shadows to let other’s talents shine.  She loved people, especially her daughter and grandchildren.  Mert was happiest when she could spoil the “little ones” with treats and food.  She appreciated having them spend time with her and said many times that they made living possible while she was sick.

Left to cherish her memory are best friend Kelly Bostwick; daughter Christine Peterson; grandchildren Jordan, Jaci, and Brittni; great-grandchildren Logan, Cameron, and Jayden; sisters Laura Schumaker, JoAnn Chandler, Betty Belden, and Karen (Loy) Nelson; a host of in-laws, nephews, and nieces. 

Mert was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Dorothy Abbott, LaVonne Frank, Jean Slater, Shirley Freeman, and Darlene Schumaker, brothers Jerry, Terry, and Doug Whelchel, and several in-laws, and other relatives.

Casketbearers will be Blake Bostwick, Brett Bostwick, Kevin Whelchel, Tony Whelchel, Troy Bostwick, and Shane Pinkelman.  Honorary Bearers will be Tara Wieseler, Lynne Wilcke, Connie Torgerson, Belinda Coble, Lori Baxter, and Jodie Hanner.

Her body is now void of illness and disease, her love and her smile will be with us always.