Cheryl “Shari” Laird, age 79, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Shari was born February 19, 1947, in Fairfax, Missouri, to Dallas and Betty Jo (Smith) Carlisle. She graduated from Rock Port High School, Rock Port, Missouri, 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 Trail’s End in Rock Port and King’s Table and Fanny Farmer Candy Store in Omaha, Nebraska. Prior to retirement she was a kitchen manager at Valley High School.

Shari enjoyed reading, gardening, baking, and spending time with her granddaughters.

Shari was 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 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; four nieces; stepson, Michael Laird; and her dog, Beau.

A celebration of life will be November 14 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Elks Lodge 2752 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Online obituary at www.neptunesociety.com