Sherri Yarmo Katz, proud mother and grandmother, loving sister and daughter, passed away on Feb. 1, 2023 at the age of 59.
Sherri was born on May 10, 1963, to Bud and Rosemary Yarmo at Menorah Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up in Leawood, Kansas, and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1981. She attended and graduated from the University of the Pacific of Stockton, California, in 1985, where she was active in her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. Her genuinely friendly nature and enthusiastic spirit led to many close and life-long friendships, and they earned her the “favorite aunt award” many years in a row.
Sherri took tremendous pride in raising her two beautiful children, Danielle and Buddy, who were the absolute joys of her life. Their happiness and success is what mattered most to her. She remained deeply close with both of her children into their adult years and was actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren, building deep bonds with them as well. Her children and grandchildren will carry on her joy for life and passionately loving spirit.
Sherri was known to all her friends and family for her enthusiasm for life and her fiercely loving heart. She was the life of every party. No matter where she was or what the occasion, just the sound of her voice was a prelude to a fun gathering filled with laughter. She loved musical theater, vacationing in Vail, Colorado, and keeping in touch with family and friends across the country.
Sherri moved several times around the country but always kept Judaism alive in her home, making sure her children were bar/bat mitzvah, and they continue those rituals inspired by Sherri’s devotion in their own homes. Despite relocating several times, Sherri remained consistently an educator, teaching art at various grade levels at many schools. Her passion for the arts, enthusiasm for life and fierce love for her children and family will be remembered by everyone who knew her.
Sherri was preceded in death by her father, Marvin R. (Bud) Yarmo; and by Stanley Silverman — his family became her family.
She is survived by her children Danielle Rose Byrd and Brandon Buddy Katz; her grandchildren, Mason McNeil Byrd and Marilyn Rose Byrd; her sister, Claire Yarmo; her brother, James Yarmo; and her mother, Rosemary Yarmo. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of Sherri’s life held in Kansas City in June 2023.
