Lois Sheryn Herrera Little

Lois Sheryn Herrera Little passed away peacefully in Yuba City, California, on the evening of August 31, 2024 at the age of 83. Each of her six children had the blessing of spending her last days with her at her bedside. Sheryn was born on July 11, 1941 in Sacramento, California to Fred C. Herrera and Lois Valerie Julian. She spent her childhood in the Oak Park area of Sacramento, where she was known for her striking blonde hair and green eyes as well as her strong-willed and spirited nature. This was evident early on when, as a kindergartener at Catholic school, she was expelled for dumping out all of the holy water, as she questioned its sanctity. Despite her fiery spirit, Sheryn shared a special bond with her Grandma Isabel and especially cherished the time she spent baking with her. Sheryn was the first of two children. After her younger sister Kathie was born, their family moved to Yuba City, California. Sheryn was raised in the Catholic church until she was 12, when local ward missionaries, Brother and Sister Dewey Sabin from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contacted them, and her family was all eventually baptized. Sheryn always referenced this time as a pivotal moment that strengthened her family’s bond. As a teenage carhop at the Yuba City A&W, Sheryn’s grace and charm led her to win the Miss A&W Beauty Contest, and she wore the sash with pride. She then was crowned Miss Yuba-Sutter and Maid of California, where she made a presentation of fresh produce from her home county to then-Senator John F. Kennedy. Sheryn graduated from Yuba City High School in 1959, where she excelled in tennis and captivated audiences in school plays, most notably starring in Meet Me in St. Louis during her senior year. After high school, she continued on to Yuba College, when she was introduced to Gary Walter Little. Their courtship quickly blossomed into an ardent romance, leading to their marriage on June 24, 1961, in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. They were married for 26 years and raised six children together. Their days were spent running a farming business in Gridley, California, where they grew peaches, prunes, rice, kiwis, and raised cattle. Her children remember these years fondly and recall their mom’s great love of several horses they had on the ranch, especially her prized mare, Fiesta Dress. Despite common stereotypes about in-laws, Sheryn adored hers. Her mother-in-law was a cherished mentor, and together with her sisters-in-law, they spent countless hours hosting, cooking, and quilting. Sheryn was a vital part of her childrens’ school classrooms, always lending a hand. In church, Sheryn served in many stake and ward callings, including Stake Relief Society President, where she had many opportunities to bless the lives of others through her tireless service. She had a special affinity for the elderly and dedicated much of her time to visiting residents at Valley Oaks, where she brought her homemade bread and engaging conversation. Sheryn exemplified the role of a supportive and caring bishop’s wife, known for her generous spirit and dedication to others. She was also a cherished den mother in Cub Scouts, always eager to take her boys fishing. Sheryn was an entertainer extraordinaire, practically perfecting the art of hosting lavish parties and dances long before Martha Stewart made it fashionable. She also catered countless weddings and made stunning wedding cakes, one of the few in town offering those services at that time. When offered repayment, she often insisted on her services being a gift to the bride and groom, much to Gary's exasperation. Sheryn enjoyed traveling when time permitted, and her favorite destinations included Samoa, Spain, and Portugal. Known for her creativity, Sheryn was an exceptional writer, artist, and painter, and her sewing talents were evident in both the beautiful dresses she crafted for her daughters and the well-tailored suits for her sons. For many years, she created custom cheerleading team uniforms based solely on her daughter’s designs, a gesture her daughters will always cherish with pride and gratitude. Sheryn later reunited with her high school sweetheart, Cidney Newberry, and they were married on June 30, 1990 in Gridley, California. They spent 5 years together, living in Dallas, Texas. During this time, Sheryn found joy in working at Deseret Book, which only assisted her in adding to her ever-expanding collection of church books, hosting many dinners and parties with friends, and planning and executing the All Texas Air Tour each year with Cid. Sheryn then moved back to Yuba City, California, where she devoted herself to caring for her parents and aunt during their later years until their passing. She bought a home she adored and frequently shared her joy in the lush greenery and growing her own flowers. She catered events, worked in bakeries, and had a special talent for teaching classes. Her greatest joy was her family. She had a passion for working on her genealogy and compiling pictures and records of her ancestors. Sheryn became a foster mother to three children, giving them a safe, peaceful space during times of their own turmoil. She was an incredible cook, and many of her beloved original recipes have been passed down onto her children and grandchildren. She was often found taking food to those in need. Sheryn took the time to make blankets for many of her grandchildren, with several of them now cherished by the next generation of babies. Sheryn was the embodiment of resilience, facing life's challenges with an enduring spirit, even when it did not always treat her fairly. Despite facing numerous health issues and personal struggles, she remained steadfast and determined throughout her life. When she shone, she was truly brilliant, with her vibrant personality and flair enriching everything and everyone she touched. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she cared for. Sheryn was preceded in death by both of her parents and two sons-in-law, Phil Lancaster and Andy Loveland. She is survived by her younger sister, Kathie Howard (Tanyu); children, Robin Noall (Keith), Michael Little (Cynthia), Brenda Little, Heidi Little (Patrick), Jennifer Little-Loveland (Jason, fiancé), and Matthew Little; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00am at the LDS chapel located at 520 Clark Avenue in Yuba City. Interment will follow at Sutter Cemetery.

Lois Sheryn Herrera Little

July 11, 1941 - August 31, 2024

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Lois Sheryn Herrera Little

July 11, 1941 - August 31, 2024

Flowers & Gifts

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