Kerry Louise (Ross) Coates

It is with great sadness that the family of Kerry Louise Coates announces her passing on April 22, 2026, at her home in Claresholm, Alberta.

Kerry was born on January 25, 1978, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Kerry's education took place in Pelican Narrows, James Smith, and Melville, graduating from St. Mary High School in Prince Albert in 1995. Kerry liked school but enjoyed going for coffee with her friends just as much.

Kerry married her best friend and soulmate, Sheldon Coates, on September 7, 2002. Kerry and Sheldon were inseparable. They opened their home to be the gathering place for all.

Kerry and Sheldon have five sons. A daughter was not in the cards for them, but granddaughter Lucia has made up for this. Lucia is loved by her Grandma, "Forever and Always". Kerry and Sheldon welcomed their first son, Keelan (Kaylin Horlings and their daughter Lucia), on August 28, 1997, followed by Xander (Jaedyn Neufeld) on October 3, 2003. Their
third son, Lachlan (Tia Rowley), arrived on July 17, 2006, Talon was born November 15, 2011, and their adopted son Kaydence joined the family in 2018. His birthday is August 12, 2007.

Kerry's career was as an insurance broker. She was well known for being a knowledgeable, personable, and conscientious employee. She also answered the call, with patience, to many family and friends when advice and help were needed. Kerry will be forever missed and lovingly remembered for her outlook on life. She was a fierce protector of her family and loved them to the max. Friends found support in her. Kerry will also be remembered for her sense of adventure, her humour, and her willingness to help anyone who needed it, and for her love of animals. From the time she was a small girl, Kerry always had pets in her life. She passed the love of all kinds of animals onto her children and granddaughter Lucia.

Kerry was diagnosed with ALS in 2019. No one could have been more brave in facing this journey than Kerry. We are all proud of her. Kerry dealt with this disease with dignity and on her own terms.

Kerry is lovingly remembered by Sheldon and their family; her mother, Jeannette Serfas (Wayne Serfas); her father, Bryan Ross (Laurie Ross); her father-in-law, Rod Coates; her
brothers, Cale Boleski (Pensri) and Dylan Boleski (Meisha Virtue and their daughter Natasha); her stepbrother Robin Boleski (Jen and children Jordana and Jake); her sister-inlaw,
Shauna Biro (John and their children Kennedy, Colton, Alexa, and Kaedyn); her brother-in-law, Jarrod Coates (Kim and daughter Minghella); and many other family and friends.

Kerry was reunited with her mother-in-law, Lorette Coates, her grandparents Agnes and Albert Sarrasin, her grandparents Doug and Ann Ross, and her step dad Lanny Boleski.

A Celebration of Life will take place on May 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Zentner Funeral Home. The address is 4079 1st Street West in Claresholm, Alberta. A luncheon of fellowship will
follow the Celebration of Life. All Kerry's family and friends are welcome.

Donations in memory of Kerry can be made to the Coates family and a portion of all donations will be given to the ALS foundation.

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