Sheryl Raye Massey

Sheryl Raye Massey, 66, Mandan, passed away in her home surrounded by her family on October 10, 2022, following a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan.  Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary/Parish Vigil beginning at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Sheryl was born into the loving arms of her parents, Richard “Dick” and Leota (Jochim) Burns, on July 23, 1956 in Cheyenne, WY.  The sixth of seven children born into a German/Irish family who had ancestors that were immigrants on the Mayflower, Sheryl greatly enjoyed learning about her family’s heritage and history and continued to research and learn about it throughout her life.  Raised north of Mandan, she was taught the values of hard work and independence.  She grew up hunting, gardening, cooking, and canning which became lifelong hobbies.  Some of Sheryl’s fondest memories were made as the Burns family spent many summers at their cabin on Lake Isabel.  Sheryl attended St. Joseph Catholic School and later graduated from Mandan High School in 1974 with some of her very best friends – Patty (Bowers) Kottsick and Louie (Graner) Wetch.  In September of 1978, Sheryl married her loving husband, Michael Massey.  Their first child, Garett Ray, was born in 1979.  They moved north of Mandan and their second child, Jessica Raye, came shortly after in 1981.  Mike and Sheryl built a beautiful home together with the help of friends and family.  Mitchell Ray was their third and last child, born in 1991.  Sheryl worked for Basin Electric Power Cooperative from 1980-2013 in Government Relations.  It was here that she met one of her very best friends, Colleen Weeg.  While working at Basin, she fulfilled a dream and received her college degree from the University of Mary. 

Sheryl loved God, her family, and her country.  An active volunteer at St. Joseph Catholic Church for over 20 years, Sheryl was a religious education teacher and a lector in church, among other duties.  She was always active and loved the outdoors.  She played softball for over 40 years where she made many special friends and enjoyed participating in recreational volleyball for nearly as long.  Sheryl loved going to the family cabin at Lake Sakakawea where she enjoyed boating, kayaking, swimming, and skiing.  The fourth of July was one of her favorite times at the lake and she loved the fireworks.  Sheryl enjoyed hunting with her whole family and instilled that love in her children as well.  She loved to be outside taking walks, riding her bike, or cross-country skiing.  You could often find her walking in the yard or sitting on the porch enjoying the outdoors.  Sheryl loved to travel and had a lifelong dream of visiting every state.  That dream wasn’t realized due to her illness, however, she did travel to Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and many Caribbean islands.  Sheryl was an excellent cook and loved making her family’s favorite dishes and loved to tease Mike about his cooking.  Sheryl lit up every room she walked into and had a way with people and could talk to anyone, anywhere. She was a great listener and could relate to every person she met.  She was excellent with children and loved to play and interact with them anytime she could.  Sheryl was proud of her family and enjoyed telling people about her three children and eight grandchildren.

Sheryl will be forever missed by her family and friends.  Blessed to have shared in her life is her loving husband of 44 years, Michael Massey; three beautiful children, Garett (Rebecca) Massey, Jessica Kuhn, and Mitchell Massey; eight grandchildren, Jameson, Caitlyn, Caleb, and Eli Massey and Gannon, Beckett, Andersen, and Blakely Kuhn; her brother, Robert (Cheryl) Burns of Mandan; sisters-in-law, Judy Mae Burns and Judy Burns, both of Mandan, Sharllyn (Jay) Rubinow of McKinney, TX, Carolyn Haux of Escondido, CA, Beckie Coleman of Mesa, AZ, and Tracee Edick of Bismarck; many nieces and nephews; and her special family in Nebraska, Jesse and Shelly Koch, and their children, Brynlee and Brayden.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Leota Burns; siblings, Rick, Ron, Becky, Linda, and Rory Burns; mother-in-law, LaVera Edick; father-in-law, Floyd “Ike” Massey; mother-in-law, Marietta “Sally” Massey; brother-in-law, Bob Edick; and her nephews, RJ Burns and Ryan Burns.

Sheryl had a tough battle with breast cancer.  She was one of the strongest women you will ever meet. She was strong in her faith and remained positive throughout. Donations may be made to breast cancer research, Great American Bike Race (GABR), Lend a Hand Up, or St. Joseph Catholic Church in her name.

Please go to www.WeigelFuneral.com to share memories of Sheryl.