Dressed in traditional and historical uniforms comprised of a blue and red cape, white dress and cap, the Nursing Honor Guard recognized Sherri Spence for her decades of dedicated service in a moving tribute at the Ohio’s Hospice inpatient unit in Troy. 

Spence began her nursing career in 1996 after earning an Associate Degree in Nursing from Black Hawk College in Illinois, later earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of Urbana.  

Starting in oncology, pediatrics and obstetrics at Cottage Hospital and Mercer County Hospital, she quickly became known for her skill, resilience and adaptability. Spence’s strength of character allowed her to excel in each role, building a foundation of excellence that would define her career. 

Nursing Honor Guard members, Crisis Care Team Leader, Jamie Seither, and RN Team Leader, Kristina Benson, said Spence’s flexibility and tenacity were even more evident during her 9 years as an agency nurse across various hospitals, and especially through her 12 years in emergency nursing, a field that demands both courage and quick critical thinking.  

Her expertise was recognized when she was elected president of the Central Ohio Emergency Nurses Association from 2015 to 2016. 

Spence’s impact extended into education as a nursing instructor at Hondros College, where she taught Emergency Nursing and Pediatric courses. Known for her patience and dedication, she mentored countless nurses, equipping them with the skills and resilience they would need to succeed.  

Her work as an educator left an enduring legacy, shaping the next generation of nurses and impacting countless lives through her students. 

“Sherri’s ability to build such a prestigious career while raising a close-knit, wonderful family is truly commendable. Celebrating 32 years of marriage with her husband, Mike, she is also a proud mother of five and grandmother of eight,” Seither said. “Her life is a testament to both professional excellence and familial dedication, making her legacy in nursing, and in family, deeply inspiring.” 

Since its launch during National Nurses Week in 2016, the Nursing Honor Guard has performed more than 200 tributes at the bedside of nurses who are in the care of Ohio’s Hospice. 

Nurses from Ohio’s Hospice volunteer to serve in this program. They travel to wherever the patient calls home to acknowledge a patient’s years of service as a nurse and read the Nightengale Pledge. 

If anyone is interested in joining the Ohio’s Hospice Nursing Honor Guard, they can email requestnursinghonorguard@ohioshospice.org for more information.