Cheryl Ramer

PARNELL-Cheryl Jean Miller Ramer was born April 2, 1953 in Bedford Heights, OH, the daughter of Paul and Edna (Guth) Miller, crediting them with instilling values of faith and ethics. As the oldest of 5 siblings, she was often depended on for child-care at a young age partly due to her mother’s struggle with mental illness. During these years Cheryl developed organizational skills along with taking responsibility that served her (mostly!) well all through life.

She graduated from Central Christian High School in Kidron, Ohio, Hesston College and Tabor College in Kansas. Cheryl accepted Jesus as her savior, was baptized into the Mennonite Church and remained a lifelong member. On December 27, 1975 Cheryl was united in marriage to Heber Ramer in Bedford Heights, Ohio. Ten days before her death she was delighted to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary which had become a major goal in the last months.

Cheryl was a social worker at Child Protective Services in Newton, Kansas, at Halstead Hospital in Halstead, Kansas, and at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita, Kansas. She was the consummate advocate for her clients, often roping Heber into special after-hours projects in order to more fully meet the needs of clients. She loved planning events and teaming up with friends to host a fun time.

They lived in Hesston, Kansas and Harper, Kansas while raising their children with persistent creativity and interest in their activities. About 4 years ago they moved to Iowa as her lifestyle required evolving adaptations. Cheryl was a current member of West Union Mennonite Church and was so comforted that they received her for “who she was deep down” and not just “some old sick lady who can’t help with anything”.

She found great satisfaction in watching children learn and grow, reminding her of the hope that was a significant part of her faith. Often when situations seemed to require an impossible decision, she chose the option that developed hope for the persons involved. She usually cheered for the underdog.

Cheryl made relative peace with her mortality early on in the 8.5 years she lived with the recurrence of cancer, but a growing list of ailments made daily tasks increasingly difficult and near the end her ability to enjoy activities was starting to wane.

As her health deteriorated, she focused on seizing opportunities for celebrating God’s big and small mercies of life. Big ones included visiting her 50th State (Hawaii!), hauling her walker up the Great Wall of China, and numerous family gatherings. Small ones included things like volunteering at Crowded Closet, while still able, and the countless smiles, birds, snacks, and songs that filled her heart.

Cheryl passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 at her home in rural Parnell at the age of 72 years. Left to live with her absence are her husband Heber, daughter Rachelle of Fort Collins, Colorado, son, Nathan (Erin) of rural Parnell, a brother Terry (Ann) Miller of Coshocton, Ohio, sisters, Julie Cressman of Las Vegas Nevada and Patti (Bob) Wilson of Newark, Delaware, brother-in-law, Dave Wiegand of Las Vegas and the many friends she was so grateful for. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Karen Weigand and brother-in-law, Don Cressman.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, January 17, 2026, at West Union Mennonite Church rural Parnell, with lunch and sharing to follow. Pastor John David Kenney will officiate. There will be no visitation.

A memorial fund has been established for Crooked Creek Christian Camp or Mennonite Central Committee. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Wellman is caring for Cheryl and her family. Messages and tributes may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com