Sherrel D. Stephenson died on Thursday, February 1st, 2024, in Lancaster, NH after a brief and private battle with cancer.

Born on September 24, 1948, in Berlin to Earl and Lillian (Douglas) Stephenson, she grew up in Gorham and was a graduate of Gorham High School in 1966.

Sherrel had a passion for horses from a very young age, and mastered training and showing them across all disciplines: halter, stock, hunter and saddle seat performance, parade, trail, drafts, Arabian native costume, driving, minis, and more; she did it ALL with agile capability, and versatility that you don't see anymore from a trainer. Horse shows were her favorite place in the world. She campaigned dozens of horses from Quebec to the Mid-Atlantic. Rex, Kurlee, and Andy were perhaps the most well-known. She held special affection for Appaloosa, Palomino, and Morgan horses. Harley-Davidson, too!

Sherrel owned and operated Pine Glen Farm in Jefferson, NH; operated the Mount Washington Hotel Stables, transported horses, and was a police dispatcher. She was the Stall Superintendent of the Lancaster Fair Horse Show for over 30 years. She founded the Mount Washington Valley Horse Show Circuit and held memberships with the White Mountain Riding Club, 4-H, the NHH & TA, and the NEHC.

When she wasn't with her horses and dogs, she was teaching, sharing horse stories, visiting and laughing, on adventures with friends, or creating incredible equine arts and crafts she often gave away as gifts.

Her influence lives on in the countless number of people she taught, mentored, and took under her wing. There were no shortcuts. She did not mince words in her guidance and instruction. You didn't argue with her, and if you tried, you wouldn't win. You knew where you stood with her and also that she believed in you. Though she did not have children of her own she undoubtedly raised her own large family of horsemen and horsewomen.

Sherrel was predeceased by her parents, an infant brother, Lance, a special Aunt Violet Toth, and a special cousin Cassie (Stephenson) Fernald.

She held special gratitude for many close friends, particularly Jessie and Dan Savage for their care at the very end of her life.

At Sherrel's request, there will be no services. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton.

Special remembrances in her honor are anticipated, a notice of which will be given. The North Country mourns the loss of a remarkable, irreplaceable equestrienne whose legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched.

For directions to the service or to send the family your condolences via the online register book, please visit, www.armstrongcharronfuneralhome.com