Cheryl "Shari" Laird

Cheryl “Shari” Laird, age 79, of Urbandale, Iowa passed away Monday, October 5, 2026, in Des Moines. Shari was born February 19, 1947 in Fairfax, Missouri to Dallas and Betty Jo (Smith) Carlisle. She graduated from Rock Port High School in 1965. Shari was blessed with two children, Kerry and Marla. She was united in marriage to Douglas Laird on November 22, 1989.

Shari moved to the Des Moines area in 1986. She worked and managed various food and candy food service locations throughout her career, including Trails End in Rock Port, Kings Table in Omaha, Fanny Farmer Candy Store in Omaha and prior to retirement she was a kitchen manager at Valley High School.

She found happiness in her many hobbies. Which included reading, spending time in her garden, and baking (especially her famous chocolate chip cookies). Above all, the thing she loved the most was being a grandmother. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and she loved spending time with them and being part of their lives.

Shari is preceded in death by her son, Kerry Beasing; father, Dallas Carlisle; stepdad, Dean Lane; twin sister, Terry Carlisle; younger sister, Cyndy Caudill; nephew, Billy White and her fur babies she had over the years, Beau, Fritzi and Mitzi.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Laird; daughter, Marla Beasing-Hampe; granddaughters, Kerry Jade, Brooke and Ava; her mother, Betty Lane; 4 nieces, stepson, Michael Laird and her dog, Beau.

Though her passing was unexpected, the love she had for her family will be remembered. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who were lucky enough to call her Wife, Mom, Grandma, family, and friend.

A celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 2-6PM at the Elks Club (2060 NW 94th St Clive, Iowa).

Private family interment will take place at a later time at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.