Obituary

Sherrlyn Elizabeth Rogala, of Chester, Virginia, peacefully left this world on January 1, 2026, where she joyfully reunited with her husband of 55 years, and her mother, Emma Barnes. 

Sherrlyn was born on August 13, 1947, in Tacoma, Washington. After graduating from Stadium High School, she pursued her dream of nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing. While finishing nursing school and working part-time as a carhop at The Dugout near Fort Lewis, Washington, she met her future husband, John Rogala- a young Army officer, looking for a date for the military ball.

They married in 1969 and began their many adventures as an Army family. Sherrlyn continued her education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland and her Master’s degree in Behavioral Health from Johns Hopkins University, graduating with honors. She went on to work as a substance abuse counselor and was a passionate advocate for her patients.

Sherrlyn held many titles in life—daughter, sister, wife, friend, nurse, counselor—but her most cherished titles were Mom and Nana. She is survived by her three children: Rachelle, “Chelle” (Dennis) Sullivan, Laura (Miles) Mauger, and Chris (Liz) Rogala. Nana leaves behind precious memories with her grandchildren: Brandon, Ella, Nathan, Wyatt, Liam, Victoria, Emmalyn, Ainsley and James.

Among those memories are Nana’s sewing talents—repairing countless bears, blankets, taggies, and loveys—her cross-stitched “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayers, and the many beautiful handmade baptism outfits, pillows, blankets (many of which her grandkids still sleep with) along with the Christmas stockings she lovingly created. She will also be remembered for her love of fashion and jewelry, obsession with Candy Crush, and all things online shopping-her delivery people knew her by name. The hole she leaves behind is one that cannot be explained.

Sherrlyn was an avid reader, loved tending to her rose garden, enjoyed true-crime television and movies, and cherished sandy toes and the sound of the ocean. In her later years, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her family back generations and eagerly sharing her discoveries with anyone who asked.

Sherrlyn had a soft spot for animals. She loved watching Animal Planet with her grandchildren and had a special affinity for elephants. Her fur babies were treasured members of the family and thoroughly spoiled. She leaves behind her beloved dachshund, Teddy Bear, who remained faithfully by her side until her final breath.

Sherrlyn will always be remembered for her deep love of family and her pride in the legacy she and John built together. Her memory will live on in all who loved her.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on January 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church. A private burial service will take place at Amelia Veterans Cemetery, where Sherrlyn will be laid to rest alongside John.