Sherrill Ann Ralyea, 90, died on August 9, 2024 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, NY. She was the daughter of Laverne and Marion (Warner) Southall of Batavia, NY. She was married to Paul Ralyea who preceded her in death in 1990. She is survived by her brother James Southall of Godfrey’s Pond, NY and by her children, Susan (William) Hebert of Friendship, NY, Brenda (Dean) Weaver of Belfast, NY, Wes (Cheryl) Ralyea of Belmont, NY and Lori (Rod) Ballengee of Wellsville, NY. Grandchildren, Amy and Kevin (Sarah) Child, and Ashley Ralyea. Great grandchildren Gavin and Gracelynn Weaver, Owen Armison, Brody Ralyea, Charlotte Child and several nieces and nephews.
Sherrill was a graduate of Batavia High School and earned a B.S. degree in Physical Education and Recreation at Brockport State College. She received a Masters degree from Geneseo State College and also did additional graduate studies at Ithaca College. During her college career she played volleyball, softball and basketball. After graduation she played three years as a catcher in the Women's Professional Softball League in Batavia, New York. Sherrill earned numerous awards during and after college including the Babe Ruth Sportsman Foundation Award and the SUNY Brockport Outstanding Coach of the Year. She began her career teaching Physical Education at the Arkport Central School for fourteen years. During her tenure at Arkport Central she started the girls interscholastic sports program. At that time there were no sports programs in Steuben County for girls. Working with fellow educators from Steuben County, the beginning of the girls sports programs as is known today was established.
As a coach of girls softball, basketball and soccer at Arkport Central School, Sherrill’s teams won several County championships and Section V championships in all three sports. Altogether the girls that she taught and coached won nine Section V championships. She always felt blessed to have such talented, dedicated athletes, their supportive parents and the support of the Arkport community.
In addition to her family, Sherrill enjoyed reading, playing piano, writing music and words for songs and poetry.
Calling hours will be 4-7pm on Monday, August 13, 2024 at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Angelica, NY. A celebration of her life will be held at her childhood home at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, New York.