Cheryl L. Garnett, age 75, of North Canton passed away at Mercy Medical Center on January 25, 2025. She was born in Canton to Ralph and Donna Schen and was a graduate of Glenwood High School. Always putting family first, she treasured her time as a mother and grandma to her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Ed; children Eric (Monya) Garnett and Julie (Jody) Loftus; Mother of 94 years, Donna Graening; brother Jerry Schen. Cheryl is preceded in death by her father Ralph.

Today, we come together to celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman, Cheryl Lynn Garnett—a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, and friend. Cheryl was someone who left an indelible mark on every heart she touched, and while our hearts ache in her absence, we are comforted by the joy, love, and faith that defined her life.

Cheryl was born into a family filled with love, with her parents, Donna and Ralph, nurturing her vibrant spirit from the start. Her father, Ralph, who was waiting next to Jesus to welcome her to her eternal home in heaven, and her mother, Donna, who continues to serve as the matriarch of this family, a constant source of love and inspiration. Cheryl embraced the love of Jesus at a young age, and her life was a testimony of her faith—a faith that shone brightly through her kindness, compassion, and selfless love for others.

She shared a remarkable 58 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Ed. Together, they built a life full of love and memories, raising two wonderful children, Eric and Julie. Cheryl was not just a mother to them but a guiding light—a role she extended to Monya and Jody as well. She welcomed them with open arms, making them feel not like an in-law but like one of her own. Her love was unconditional, and her family meant everything to her.

Cheryl had a joyous attitude toward life. She worked many jobs over the years, and at each one, she left footprints on the hearts of those she encountered. Her warmth, humor, and understanding of others were her hallmarks. She had a spunky, fun-loving spirit that brightened every room she entered. Whether it was her love for concerts, her affection for all things Disney, or her playful musings about getting a Winnie the Pooh tattoo—her humor and zest for life were simply infectious.

Disney held a special place in Cheryl's heart. She cherished the trips she took with her children as teenagers and later with her grandchildren, creating magical memories that will live on forever in the hearts of her family. These trips weren't just about the destination—they were about love, laughter, and togetherness.

Despite the challenges that came her way, including her battle with Parkinson's in recent years, Cheryl's faith never wavered. She found strength in God's promises, and her unwavering belief in heaven brought her peace. Cheryl lived her life in a way that reflected God's love, and she would want all of us to experience that same peace and assurance. "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?""

John 11:25-26 She would urge us to open our hearts to Jesus and to live lives full of love and purpose, knowing that this is not the end but a beautiful beginning.

Today, we celebrate Cheryl's life. We celebrate the love she gave, the faith she lived by, and the joy she brought to all of us. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in knowing that Cheryl is now free from pain, walking the streets of gold in heaven. She is home, and one day, if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we too will reunite with her.

So, as we reflect on Cheryl's life, let us honor her memory by carrying forward the love and faith she shared so generously. And let us take comfort in knowing that when our time comes, Cheryl will be there to welcome us, just as she welcomed everyone into her heart.

Thank you, Cheryl, for the legacy of love, laughter, and faith you have left behind. You will forever be missed, but we know this is not goodbye—it is simply "see you later."

Rest in peace, You are home.

A time of Celebration will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at First Christian Church, 6900 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44721. Please enter through door C and go to Heritage Hall C.