Cheryl Kay Cheely, 68, of Fort Smith passed away on Friday May 19, 2023 in a Van Buren hospital. She was born February 12, 1955 in Clinton, OK to Richard and Norma (Mach) O’Dell. She grew up in Tulsa, OK before moving to Poteau, OK where she resided for forty years. She was a homemaker and attended Grace Community Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and first husband William Richardson.
She is survived by her loving husband of thirty years, James Cheely of the home; one son, Jacob Richardson of Fort Smith; four daughters, Julie Vineyard (David) of Fort Smith, Amber Dooly (Logan) of Lavaca, Crystal Hoffman (Joey) of Grand Island, NE, Robin Cheely of Panama, OK; two sisters, Patricia Torczynski (Louis) of The Woodlands, TX and Deborah O'Dell- Ross (Lee) of Parker, CO; the greatest joy and pride of her life, her seven grandchildren, Sophie and Sadie Vineyard, August and Ezra Dooly, Austin Herald, Brayden and Ayva Hoffman; two nieces, Sara Ross and Jennifer Ott; two nephews, Jason and Aaron Torczynski.
She spent many years teaching a church class at Calvary Assembly of God (Poteau) of young girls whom she cared for immensely. She loved gospel music, never passed on a chance to go fishing, and made the best desserts. If you could not get a hold of her, she could usually be found shopping. She loved holidays and passed on her festive spirit to her children.
Funeral service will be 10:30 AM Tuesday May 30, 2023 at Grace Community Church with Pastor Jeff Jones officiating, with burial in U.S. National Cemetery under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith.
Pallbearers will be David Vineyard, Logan Dooly, Joey Hoffman, Austin Herald, Louis Torczynski and Lee Ross
The Family will visit with friends from 2:00 until 4:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.