Cherie Ethlyn Opyrchal

Cherie Ethlyn was born in Orange County, California and raised in Newport Beach with her brother James. Both Cherie and James were adopted by their mom and dad, Marjorie and Elton Barnett. Cherie shared her mom’s passion for playing tennis from an early age. Cherie also was a bando and played the piccolo in her Newport Harbor High School band. Many of her friends from her elementary and high school days continued to keep in contact, and they enjoyed getting together for meals and celebrations.

In her early adult years, Cherie found her biological mother (Janet), sisters (Paula, Karen, and Laurie) and brothers (Bob and Larry) in Wyoming. She took many trips to Wyoming to spend time with her brothers and sisters.

She found her calling in her work as a health assistant at Mariners Elementary in Newport Mesa Unified School District. Cherie loved interacting with the kids and made many memories with students, parents, and coworkers alike. She truly felt the blessings of belonging to her Mariners “family.”

Cherie’s greatest joy on this earth was to be the mother of her son Chris Ellis. Although she gave birth to Chris in Paradise, California, she moved back to Newport Beach to raise him. She was a den mom for Chris’ troop in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. She specialized in training the scouts to shoot and introduced glamping to the boys! Cherie would glow anytime she was able to visit with Chris!

Recently, Cherie married Kevin and became a mother again to Rachel and Robert. Kevin and Cherie found true love in each other and gave thanks to God for bringing them together. Cherie came to find that being a mom to younger children gave her great joy. She was able to raise a son again and for the first time she had a daughter!

Finally, Cherie was a beacon of faith, hope, and love, especially in the last several years. Although she died from cancer, Cherie did not succumb to a disease. Her faithful spirit allowed her to live in each moment. She served as an inspiration to her friends and family. As she reminded her husband on many occasions, God is sovereign over all.

May God Bless Cherie who touched our lives so deeply.

Amen.