Born in York, Nebraska, in 1947, Sheryal T. moved to Newton with her parents when she was three years old after her father accepted a job at Boeing in Wichita.
Her mother later worked at Boeing as a riveter. In fact, the family knew Newton’s own “Rosie the Riveter,” Connie Palacioz, who lived just down the street.
Sheryal grew up with an older and younger brother. After graduating high school, she attended cosmetology school and began a 50-year career as a hairdresser, working at nine different locations.
In 1967, Sheryal married Jule Schoenberger. They had four children—Julie, Corie, Willo and Troy—and today she is a proud grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of two. Sheryal and Jule divorced in 1983.
She later met truck driver John, and their friendship grew into a 30-year marriage. John passed away from cancer in 2013, a loss that remains deeply meaningful to Sheryal.
These days, Sheryal enjoys reading, especially science fiction, and working on puzzles. She also enjoys being involved in her church community. Her son Troy and his wife introduced her to Grace Community Church in Newton, where she discovered a particular joy in helping with childcare during church activities.