Sherry (Mallory) Takala began her life adventure on May 26, 1938, in Logan, Utah. She grew up on a farm caring for animals, but discovered early her love for painting and art in all mediums. In adulthood, she moved to Nevada and worked as a showgirl, keno writer and pit boss while raising her two children and painting on the side whenever she could. Eventually she left Nevada to pursue her love of painting and the wilderness.
Being a gypsy at heart, she moved throughout all of the Western states. The job she was most proud of was that of a battered women's counselor at the YWCA. Finally she met the love of her life, Steve Takala. She followed him in his job and eventually up to Alaska, where they mined for gold in the Porcupine and also converted an old Navy landing craft into a very unique bed and breakfast/fishing tackle store/art gallery in Haines, Alaska, called "Noah's Art." Later, after returning to the lower 48 and Steve's death, she took to the road again in her motor home searching for yet new adventures. She landed for short visits in Lava Hot Springs, Orofino and Kamiah, making many friends and learning new skills such as ham radio operation, which came in handy while working with the Idaho search and rescue crews.
Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Adlissa Mallory; her brother, Brett Mallory; and by her beloved husband, Steve Takala.
She is survived by brothers Kim, Cleve and Ronnie Mallory; and by sisters Vicki Wolfsen and Lara Coley. She is also survived by her daughter, Kathleen; son-in-law Lloyd Gilman; and their children, Tawnia, Tennille, Zack, and Porsha; and by great-grandson Clark "Super Baby" Gilman; and also by her son, Bill Carver; daughter-in-law Cindy; and grandson James Carver. She is also survived by many friends, students and followers of both her mystical and art talents and training.
There will be a covered-dish celebration of life from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Valley Community Center located at 549 Fifth St., Clarkston.
