Sheryl D. Pflueger

Sheryl D. Pflueger, born February 24, 1957 in Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 69 at Summa Health Systems – Akron Campus. She was the oldest cherished daughter of Dale H. and Kathryn A. (née Kraemer) Dettke.

Sheryl leaves behind her loving husband of 46 years, James S. Pflueger, and their daughters Katherine Pflueger and Kara (née Pflueger) Simeon Jones. She was a devoted grandmother to Eden and Cora Jones and Macy Rizzo, and a beloved sister to Diana (née Dettke) Pullella. She is also survived by her sister in law Ruth (née Pflueger) Walter Nischt, nieces Robin Pflueger and Meghan Welker, nephews Peter Nischt, John Nischt, John Pflueger IV, and Ryan Pullella, along with a large and loving extended family of Pflueger, Kraemer, and Dettke cousins.

Sheryl treasured her friendships deeply. Over the years Sheryl held close bonds with friends from the Bathcrest and TT groups, Firestone High School (’75) classmates, and Junior High classmates. These relationships brought her joy, laughter, and support throughout her life.

A graduate of the University of Akron, Sheryl earned her BSN in 1979 and began her nursing career in the maternity ward at Akron City Hospital (now Summa). She went on to teach at both the Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing and the University of Akron, shaping the next generation of nurses with her compassion and expertise.

Sheryl later worked for Visiting Nurse Services, where she played a pivotal role in the creation of Hospice of VNS on Ridgewood Road, now the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center. She also helped establish Stewart’s Caring Place in Fairlawn, extending her lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Her dedication to the Akron community was evident through her service as past president of the Junior Board at City Hospital, her involvement with Diggers and Weeders, and her membership in both the Junior League and the Akron Garden Club.

Above all, Sheryl loved her family—that was her greatest joy and her favorite hobby. She delighted in time spent with loved ones, cherished gatherings during the holidays, and found peace in gardening, long walks, hiking, traveling, and sharing laughter with the people she held dear.

Special thanks to the nurses and physicians at the Summa Cooper Cancer Center and the University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center who helped Sheryl navigate this journey.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Stewarts Caring Place, Cuyahoga Valley National Parks, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, or a charity meaningful to you.

Calling Hours will be held from 4-7PM THURSDAY, May 21 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron, OH 44333. Services and burial will be private. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)