

Cheri was born on March 27, 1958, in Bakersfield, California, to Gene and Marilyn Lorenzi. She was deeply loved in life and was welcomed into eternal rest by her parents, her brother John, and her great-nephew, Nando. Cheri is survived by her one and only daughter, Nicole; her husband, Gilly; and her cherished grandchildren, Jalissa, Johnny, and Boo-Boo. She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandbabies, Lorenzo and Jaselle. Cheri is survived by her sister, Donna (Butch); her niece and nephews, Amy (Fernando Sr.), Jason (Grecia), and Bubba (Molly); and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Felicity, Victoria, Juliet, Madison, Baby J, Julian, Tristan, and baby John. Great-great nieces and great-great nephew, Sienna, Serene, and baby Ricky.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, Cheri attended local schools including Pioneer Elementary, Sierra Jr High, and East High School, graduating with the class of 1976. During her younger years, she worked at Deb's Delight Drive-In, a job she truly loved. Cheri enjoyed meeting new people and often shared fond memories from her time there. In the early 1980s, Cheri began her career at Sun World International, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 2012.
Cheri always took pride in her appearance—her hair, makeup, and nails were always done, and she had a knack for making everyone around her feel good. At one point, she even sold Jafra products. She loved music, dancing, cruising, and playing bunco with friends. Becoming a Nana was one of the greatest joys of her life! Her grandbabies and great-grandbabies were her pride and joy, and she cherished every opportunity to spoil them. Everyone who came into contact with Cheri shared a special bond with her—she was truly one of a kind! With a warm dazzle, a sparkling heart, and a genuine soul. After bravely surviving cancer several times, Cheri faced her final battle with strength and grace, never losing her feistiness, stubbornness, or sense of humor. She was a fighter until the very end. Cheri was a beautiful, loving, and caring person inside and out—a devoted mother, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend. Her absence leaves a huge void, but her love and legacy will live on through those who were blessed to know her. A special thank you is extended to her son-in-law, Gilly, for his daily care, love, and support throughout her journey, as well as to the care team at Helpful Hospice and Nurse Andrea for their compassion and dedication.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Collective, 931 19th Street, Bakersfield, California 93301. Funeral Services will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Collective, with graveside services to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, California 93306.
To have known Cheri was to have loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered!
PORTADORES
Fernando Nunez Sr. Pallbearer
Erick RuizPallbearer
Johnny RuizPallbearer
Joseph (Boo-Boo) RuizPallbearer
Jason (Baby J) WoodardsPallbearer
Julian WoodardsPallbearer
Gilly RuizHonorary Pallbearer
Lorenzo RuizHonorary Pallbearer
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