Cheryl Hamlin August 7, 1967 - September 19, 2023

Cheryl Elizabeth (Huffman) Hamlin, known as “Cheri,” passed away of complications of pancreatic cancer on September 19, 2023, with her loving family by her side.

One benefit of having a life-threatening illness is that I had an opportunity to write my own obituary.  This worked out well as I was never that great at delegating.

I was born on August 7, 1967, in Springfield, Missouri, to Harrybill and Cleo (Peterson) Huffman.  I somewhat started life by beating the odds as my parents didn’t think they could have any more children, but surprise!  I’ve always thought of myself as being pretty lucky.

I loved my school days starting with Pershing Elementary, then Logan-Rogersville.  I mainly enjoyed school because of the extracurricular activities.  This continued at Southwest Missouri State University.  I was so fortunate to have been able to form some wonderful life-long friendships through my school days.  Oh, I did also have to study and received a Bachelor of Science in business education with a minor in accounting and a Master of Business Administration.

My husband, Jeff, and I met through friends, and we married in 1990 at Schweitzer Church where we later became members and served as ushers.  We welcomed our daughter, Catherine, to complete our family in 2001.  I so loved being a mom.  Caring for our daughter during her first few months before returning to work was one of my favorite memories.  I loved reading to her, listening to her adorable laugh, and watching Mema and Do-Daddy adore her.  As she grew, I had so much fun watching her activities and helping with her events, especially the day before Christmas break when we delivered goodies.

I was a graduate assistant at SMSU (now MSU) while obtaining my master’s degree.  I worked at City Utilities for 28 years in employment, safety and training, benchmarking, and was Manager – Records Governance when I retired in 2020.  I enjoyed working with people the most, especially the retiree group.

Being lucky enough to overcome colo-rectal cancer at the age of 25 made Jeff and I jump into travelling.  We have visited nearly all 50 states while I had the opportunity to travel to more than 25 countries.  Catherine caught the travel bug also, and the family enjoyed many cruises together.  One of my favorite places was spending time on the deck watching glaciers and whales in Alaska.

I loved capturing memories of travels, Catherine’s youth, and family events through photobooks. I also enjoyed learning about family history and entertaining, especially decorating for the holidays, including decorating a tree for various occasions.  I so looked forward to creating more memories and volunteering, as I felt fulfilled by helping others.

I learned from two of the best, my parents, when it came to making the extra effort.  I watched Mom wake up early in the morning to make a warm treat to take to work for a birthday and also Dad perform multiple chores at the farm after working full-time.  Mom also had special touches when entertaining or stopping by the hospital to visit an ill individual.   Then there were the annual bargain shopping days for New Year’s or Presidents’ Day.  I’d like to think I picked up some of those talents.

Even with the different experiences I had, life was too short.  If I had to do it again, I would work less, live more, and take a few more chances.  However, I was so lucky to have had a wonderful life.  Therefore, as the saying goes, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

I am preceded in death by my parents, Harrybill and Cleo Huffman, my grandparents, and other family members.  I am survived by my chief caregiver and husband, Jeff, and our daughter, Catherine.  I am also survived by my sister, Cindy Cook-Holdford, and her daughter, Kinsey, and Cindy’s husband, Tracy; my mother-in-law, Gretchen Jones; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kim and Dennis Smith and their family; Jeff’s stepmother, Betsy Hamlin; and in-laws Steve Hamlin, Angie Hamlin, Nick Hamlin, and Laurie Hamlin Mathis and their families. I am also survived by other special family members, friends, and neighbors.  I thank you all for your support and love.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 23 at 10:00am at Schweitzer Church. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, Missouri. Visitation will be Friday, September 22, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Barnes Family Funeral Home in Ozark, Missouri. Livestreaming of the funeral will be provided; details to follow.

Special thanks to Seasons Hospice for their loving care and compassion.  In lieu of flowers, donations in my memory can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Seasons Hospice, Springfield Little Theatre Education Department, or a charity of your choice.  I also encourage you to make a phone call, or send a note, to thank someone for something they have done for you or for all they have meant to you.