Sherri Rho Ontjes

A grand lady of many accomplishments, Sherri displayed an unwavering commitment, over many decades, to the betterment of the Carrboro community. Her advocacy of local arts and crafts, her bountiful (and often anonymous) support for countless struggling workers, artists, and artisans spanned generations.

Most of all, Sherri Ontjes was a pioneering spirit: a brave and stalwart role model of female entrepreneurship. She founded the NC Crafts Gallery in Carrboro in 1989 and devoted years of her life to canvassing the state to procure art in order to showcase North Carolina talent in her store. After her retirement, she remained active in the community: generously and continuously granting business loans, gifting college tuition fees, and lending frequent support to an enormous variety of persons in need.

Despite her success, Sherri never lost touch with her humble Midwest values. Born in Eureka, Kansas to Frances and Carl James, Sherri grew up in the cities of Concordia and Emporia with brothers Richard and Jim. In 1960, she earned a degree in Art Education from the University of Kansas. Over the coming years, she gave birth to four loving children alongside former husband David Ontjes. The couple moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1968. Sherri followed her passion for the arts working for years as an art teacher within the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school system. She particularly enjoyed her middle school students’ quirky sense of humor. She later expanded her formal education at the Penland School of Crafts where she studied ceramics, batik, and print making.

Sherri was forever curious. She loved living among individuals of varying ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds—absorbing their life stories and experiences. And despite declining health, she forged onward—living life with gusto. She insisted upon breakfasting daily at Elmo’s—and later, Breakaway Café—where she befriended the entire staff from the front of the house to the kitchen: greeting each and every one by name. Much in character, she lovingly displayed their photos in her home alongside those of family and friends.

Sherri is survived by her children Linden Ontjes, Sarah (Greg) Lynch, Ethan Ontjes (Beth Childress), and Jason Ontjes (Jennifer DeGroot), as well as by her eight beloved grandchildren: Austin Lynch (Kyle Kirk) and Claire (Luke) Combs; Noah (Marie Anderson), Olivia, and Max Ontjes; Roan Ontjes-Degroot, Finn and Wren Ontjes. The entire family extends their deepest gratitude to Lori Buchanan, who provided selfless care and assistance which allowed Sherri to continue to live life on her own terms.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Breakaway Café in Carrboro on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with open visiting hours from 3pm to 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Orange Literacy (Carrboro); WCPE Radio (Wake Forest); Penland School of Craft (Print Studio Department); or to any deserving liberal-minded charity of your choice.