Sherry Gale Dettmann-Roudybush

Sherry Gale Dettmann-Roudybush, 78, of Topeka, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025 with her husband by her side.

She was born July 8, 1947, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Marvin and Geneva (Bennett) Burd. She graduated from Topeka High in 1965. She attended Washburn University and Ottawa University from 1969 – 1974 for her Registered Nursing Degree.

She began working as a nurse for Stormont Vail in the Emergency Room and the Psych Ward. She taught Nursing at the Clark’s Business School here in Topeka. Her final employment was the Kansas Department of Corrections as the Director of Nursing alongside Dr. Larry Perry for 26 years until her retirement.

Sherry married Robert Roudybush on August 28, 1991 in Las Vegas. He survives. Other survivors include grandchildren, Morgan (Aaron) Natalie, Evelyn Lueders-Booth, Nicholas Ketter, and Jordan Ketter; great grandchildren, Brooks Natalie and Wren Natalie; sister, Melva Reddick; nieces, Michelle, Kim, and Jana; and son-in-law, Mike Ketter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Julie Ketter; brother, Maurice Burd; brother-in-law, Everett Reddick; uncle and spouse, Frank and Helen Bennett; and grandfather, George Burd.

Sherry had a heart for caring for others. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren, and her many life-long friends. She also had a love for her cats and her granddaughter’s French bulldog, Millie. She enjoyed traveling, and trips to the Lake of the Ozarks with her family. She loved to have fun whether it was dancing, shopping, taking trips to the casino, playing bingo, visiting the book store, or simply reading and writing.

Sherry’s wishes were for cremation. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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