Cheryl Kennard, 75, passed away following complications from a heart procedure. While her passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness for those who loved her, her memory will live on through the family and friendships that meant so much to her.

Cheryl’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who treasured being present for the people she loved. She especially enjoyed spending time at soccer and softball games and tournaments, cheering from the sidelines and sharing in the accomplishments and milestones of her children and grandchildren.

Over the years, Cheryl built lasting friendships with the families and friends she met through her children’s soccer years. Those friendships became an important part of her life and continued long after the games were over.

Cheryl also had a gift for making ordinary moments feel like celebrations. Her annual Fourth of July gatherings were legendary, with friends and family gathering around her pool for epic fireworks displays. Those evenings brought together the people she loved and created memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Mel and Mary Bartz; her beloved husband of 52 years, Jack Kennard; and her brother, Robert Bartz.

She will be deeply missed by her sons, Jason Kennard and Jared Kennard; daughters-in-law, Katie Kennard and Lori Kennard; grandchildren, Avery, Colin, Quinn, and Neave Kennard; and stepgrandchildren, Alex and Raegan Duncan.

Her family will remember her most for the love she gave so generously, the time she devoted to being part of their lives, the friendships she cherished, and the joy she found in bringing people together. Though she is no longer there to cheer from the sidelines or help light up the sky on the Fourth of July, the memories she created will continue to shine brightly in the lives of everyone who knew and loved her.

She will be loved, remembered, and missed always.