June 9, 1948 – February 18, 2020
Cheryl Lynne Dennison, 71, Noblesville, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday morning, February 18, 2020, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born June 9, 1948 in Lebanon, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Bryce Leon and Betty Jo (Johnson) Pickett.
Cheryl graduated from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1966; she went on to earn her BS in Elementary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1971 and her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from Ball State University in 1977.
Cheryl was fortunate to discover at an early age a field of study that she was passionate about and then follow that path to create her life’s work. Much of her adult life was spent as a childcare provider. Her kids were her everything. Early on in her career she implemented a learn and play philosophy, helping her children take a more active role in their own learning. The thought behind this was that you structure the children’s learning environment in a way that while they are playing, they are learning valuable life skills. The lessons didn’t stop with the kids; she also included the parents in the process, helping them to find new ways to encourage learning at home. She made sure that every one of her kids felt loved and were being nurtured in a true Christian environment.
When Cheryl had some time to herself you could usually find her curled up with a good book. Romance novels were her favorite read, though she probably wouldn’t admit it. Working crossword puzzles was another favorite activity. Cheryl also had quite the green thumb; she loved growing flowers and looking after her houseplants, making sure they felt loved and nurtured as well. When the temperature started to drop, Cheryl looked forward to the start of basketball season. She followed the Pacers for many years, but when Reggie Miller retired, her interest seemed to slowly fade away. She also enjoyed listening to the Gaithers.
Family played a very strong role in her life. She took an active role in her children’s lives while they were growing up, and when she became a grandma, she happily started all over again without missing a beat. Even though she loved being a mother and a loving wife, being a grandma was her starring role. If the grandkids were involved in it, Cheryl was going to become an instant fan and true supporter. Cheryl also loved traveling with her family. She took many trips throughout the United States and loved every minute of the adventure, but trips to Myrtle Beach and Florida were among her favorites.
Cheryl’s church family was an integral part of who she was. She was a life member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and proudly served as a member of the Church Council. Cheryl loved being involved in whatever projects were underway at the church; however, when there was a church dinner or it was time for the annual coal supper, that is where she truly shined. She loved to cook, loved to serve and absolutely loved being around people.
Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Dean “Ron” Dennison. She and Ron were married on August 9, 1969. Also surviving are her three daughters, Kimberly R. Toloday (Pete), Livonia, Mich., Sheila D. Dailey, Noblesville, and Emily L. Dennison, Noblesville; seven grandchildren; three brothers, Gordon Pickett, Sheridan, Richard Pickett (Connie), Charlotte, N.C., and Brad Pickett (Rod), Frankfort; two sisters, Paula Arbuckle, Lafayette, and Jeannine Sample, Sheridan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Cheryl’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, 207 E. 2nd St., Sheridan. A dinner will be held immediately following the service, giving everyone a chance to visit and tell stories while enjoying one last church dinner in Cheryl’s honor. Cheryl will be laid to rest at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the American Cancer Society for use in Breast Cancer Research.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.
Arrangements
Celebration of Life: 11 a.m., March 7
Location: Sheridan First United Methodist Church
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com