Cheryl ‘Cheri’ L. Newkirk
A note to my mom...It is still so unbelievable to me that I am struggling for words to do your life justice such a short time after losing Dad. I am so shocked that I can’t just pick up the phone to ask you what you’d like me to say. But I do know this...life will never be the same without you. We had such a tendency to butt heads and drive each other to near insanity, but I always knew that you were my biggest cheerleader. You gave me my love of nature, animals and children. You taught me to work hard for whatever I wanted and above all you taught me never to give up. I will miss you. I will miss your crooked smile, the bratty way you shrugged your shoulders when you didn’t like what I had to say, and I will miss your amazing sense of humor. Most of all, I’ll just miss knowing that you’re there. The kids and I will make sure Chloe and the cats are loved and fed. Hug Dad and Tony for me please...I love you, Go rest now.
Cheryl (Cheri) L Newkirk, age 79 of Hershey, passed away in her home April 4, 2024.
Cheri was born in Imperial, Nebraska, Sept. 14, 1944 to Charles and Eula Briggs and was raised near Lamar and Grant alongside her siblings, Billie and Dan.
Not long after graduating from high school, Cheri met Jerry and they were wed just 10 days later. That union lasted more than 61 years. They settled into the Newkirk ranch where they worked alongside Jerry’s parents and raised their two children Tony and Cyndi. Jerry and Cheri moved around a few times trying to make a better life for their family, but eventually ended back in Lewellen until their children graduated.
In 1985, they moved to Imperial to farm and during their time there, Cheri learned to become an amazing florist. She also worked at the county courthouse for quite some time.
In their retirement years, Jerry and Cheri moved to their home by Hershey to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. In those last year’s Cheri could most likely be found playing in her garden, caring for Jerry or bathing dogs at her daughter’s grooming shop. She absolutely loved spoiling the dogs.
Cheri is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Eula; brother Dan; husband Jerry; son Tony; grandchildren Corey and Casey; and great-grandson Esiah.
Cheri is survived by her sister Billie; daughter Cyndi; grandchildren Jazmin, Jon, Jackson, Joey, Amelia and Seaira; great-grandchildren Ethan, Emelio, Javier, Ki’auna, Dominik, Aiyana and Skylynn; along with many other family members and friends. Cheri will be missed.
Memorials are suggested to Adams & Swanson Funeral Home to help with funeral arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home www.adamsswanson.com.
For those who are unable to attend the service will be live streamed on our website at www.adamsswanson.com.
Joint Memorial Service for Jerry and Cheryl will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2024 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Book signing will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, April 18 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of assisting the family.