10-04-2025
Former Wyoming first lady Sherri Geringer dies, just weeks after 58th wedding anniversary
CHEYENNE — Former Wyoming first lady Sherri Geringer died Saturday after an extended illness, just two weeks after celebrating her 58th wedding anniversary with her husband, former Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer.
Sherri suffered a stroke in 2018 that left her physically disabled and made it difficult for her to speak, Jim previously told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Her mind, however, was fully intact.
Their wedding anniversary was attended by the Geringers' 33 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren 'and bonus family members,' according to a news release sent by their son, state Rep. Rob Geringer, R-Cheyenne.
'Sherri went to be with her Lord, undoubtedly greeted with great joy and celebration led by her parents, Bob and Winnie Slentz and grandson, Jaden Ramsey,' Rob said in the release.
Sherri was dedicated to serving her community and promoting learning programs for families who struggled financially. One hugely successful program was Raising Readers, a program designed to promote early childhood development that started in 2002. This program provides new books to children in the age range of 2 months to 5 years old.
More than 450,000 books have been distributed across all 23 Wyoming counties since the program began. In 2019, more than 27,600 families benefited from it.
She also volunteered with the Women's Civic League of Cheyenne and at her church. Rob said his mother 'left a lasting impact on all who knew her.'
'Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering strength touched the hearts of everyone she encountered,' Rob said in the news release. 'Whether through a kind word, a quiet gesture, or a moment of laughter, she had a way of making people feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on in the lives she enriched, the love she shared, and the memories we carry forward.'
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., shared her condolences on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, for the Geringer family after hearing about Sherri's passing.
'I'm saddened to hear of former Wyoming First Lady Sherri Geringer's passing. Her passionate advocacy, warmth, and friendship made her beloved across our state,' Lummis wrote. 'Keeping Gov. Geringer and their entire family in my prayers during this difficult time.'
Current Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and his wife, first lady Jennie Gordon, also shared their condolences in an emailed statement to the WTE.
'Jennie and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Geringer family on the passing of Sherri,' Gov. Gordon said. 'Her grace under exceptionally trying circumstances over the past few years was extraordinary, as was her love of Wyoming, her care and concern for the people of the state, and her devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed.'
The Geringer family is asking those who wish to remember Sherri Geringer to donate to a charity of their choice in her memory. Charities that were most dear to the former first lady include Raising Readers, Cheyenne Women's Civic League and local domestic violence shelters.
The family is also requesting short stories of the public's fond memories of Sherri, which may be read during her memorial service. Please email MrsGWyoming@
There will be two funeral services held next week. The first will be Monday, April 14, at 1 p.m. at Cheyenne Hills Church, and the second will be Tuesday, April 15 at 1 p.m. at First Christian Church in Wheatland.
