Sheridan "Sheri" Raye Culwell

On December 29, 2024, Sheri Raye Culwell, age 83, went home to be with the Lord. She passed away peacefully in her dream home surrounded by love and beauty. Washington was her home. 

A native of Oklahoma, Sheri moved to Washington at the age of 47 and fell in love. She considered the Pacific Northwest “God’s Country,” and established roots and a loving home. 

Sheri was preceded in death by parents, Frances (Crider) and Rayburn Bruce, and her husband, Dr. Harold W. Houk. She is survived by her daughter, April D. Culwell of Bellingham and her longtime beloved companion and friend, Pete Libby of Bellingham. She is also survived by daughter, Amber S. Culwell, granddaughters, Elle Goff (Alex), and Emmi Ferrera, and great-grandson, Henry James Goff of New Hampshire.

Sheri’s creativity was an inspiration to all who knew her. Having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tulsa University, she worked as an interior designer for a local well-known architect, Bill Ryan, for many years. Sheri also earned a teaching certificate which she utilized as a per diem grade school substitute teacher for many years. She loved children and believed education led to realizing one’s potential to living a full life. Sheri was curious by nature and a lifelong learner which fueled her desire to inspire young adults to achieve their dreams through education. Midlife she realized a passion in elevating young minds through education and found community colleges in the Midwest as a way to combine her talents. Her focus was providing young people with the tools to become independent and successful in life. 

Her love of the outdoors and horses was forever at the core of her being and what her loved ones will always remember her for. As a mother and educator, Sheri portrayed a genuine love and appreciation of the outdoors. The outdoors were her secret to a fulfilling life and she shared nature’s secrets with all who knew her. She lived her life the way she wanted to live it. She was an independent adventurer with a polite, sarcastic wit. Later in life Sheri enjoyed spending time with her rescue horses, Chardonnay, Bella, and Fantasia. She also found great joy in teaching Sunday School at a local church, hiking with friends, and enjoying the company of her dear friend, Pete. At the age of 65 Sheri earned her Associate Degree in Graphic Design from Whatcom Community College. She enjoyed capturing nature’s beauty with photography and enhanced her photographs using her graphic design skillset. Loved ones would like to thank her for sharing her love of God through care, kindness, generosity, and nature. 

A private celebration of life is being planned for Spring 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sheri’s memory to Whatcom Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.