Cheryl Ann Thornhill October 17, 1955 - October 13, 2016

Cheryl Ann Thornhill of Sisters passed away October 13 at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. She was 60.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, October 29, at noon at Westside Church in Sisters, 442 Trinity Way. Her wishes were for guests not to wear black.

Cheryl was born October 17, 1955 in San Francisco, California, to Robert and Joann (Rowe) Rickards. On September 22, 1973, Cheryl married Laird Thornhill in Sisters.

Immediately following their reception, they moved to Oakland, California, where her husband was stationed in the U.S. Navy. Coming from the sleepy town of Sisters, she was awakened by life in the big city; their first apartment had a fire escape and a murphy bed. Subsequent duty stations landed her in Washington, D.C. and Naval Air Station Keflavik in Iceland. After six years as a military wife, she and her family settled in Seattle, Washington, and eventually relocated back to the place she had always called home - Sisters.

While living in Seattle, Cheryl worked in telephone product sales and later worked as a shipping supervisor at an electronics company in Sisters.

Cheryl came to know the Lord with her husband at Christmas Eve service in 2000. Her devotion to family and her faith in Jesus Christ supported her in her struggles in life, finding strength in the Scripture, especially the verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Her strength was an example to many who knew of her courageous battle with personal health issues. Even in the midst of those struggles, she would continue to put others before herself.

Cheryl found delight in searching for that "special little something" at yard sales and thrift stores that she knew would bring someone joy. She also enjoyed watching movies, collecting "I Love Lucy" memorabilia, and koala bears. Her favorite place to visit was the Oregon Coast, and her wishes were to have her ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean.

A wonderful person, with a big heart of compassion, Cheryl's greatest role in life was that of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She cherished her family and puppies, which were her companions.

Cheryl is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Laird Thornhill of Sisters; son Clay Thornhill of Sisters; daughter Shannon (husband Daniel) Merrill of Spokane, Washington; and two grandchildren, Dakota and Dalton, who together brought her great joy. Other survivors include her father, Robert Rickards; a brother, Robert Rickards, Jr.; and a sister, Connie Mogan, all of Sisters. She was preceded in death by her mother.

Memorial contributions in Cheryl's memory may be made to the Humane Society of Central Oregon.