Cheryl Ann Lyda

Lyda, Cheryl, 64, passed away on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. She was born in East Chicago, IN, to Carrol and Jean Stevens on Aug. 3, 1952. She graduated from Heights High School, Wichita; received her bachelor of arts from Emporia State College, earned two master’s degrees in early childhood education from Kansas State University and Wichita State University. She taught first in Wichita, then El Dorado, but spent most of her years teaching preschool special needs children in Andover. She was currently employed by Butler County Special Education Coop. She received the Golden Apple Award and was a finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year. She was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church, Wichita, serving as an elder, teacher, mission chairman and in many other roles. She devoted her life to family and the welfare of others, including the International Refugee Committee. She traveled to Haiti and Mexico on mission trips. To quote her niece, “She was a leader, but her heart was so open to teaching and helping others.” She was preceded in death by her father, Carrol Stevens. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, E.B., Wichita; son, Kevin (Danielle), Wichita; stepdaughter, Christy (Tony) Ramsek, Petersburg, KY; mother, Jean Stevens, Wichita; sisters, Vickie (Dan) Waters, Topeka, Jill Cookson, Wichita, and Becky (Doug) Grear, Holiday, FL; grandchildren, Lincoln Lyda, and Grace, Stephen, Faith, Josiah, Hope and Christian Ramsek; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held on Tues. Nov. 15, 2016 from 6 to 8pm at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E. 13th St. N., Wichita. A Celebration of Life will be 2pm on Wed. Nov. 16, 2016 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 E. Douglas, Wichita, followed by burial at Lakeview Cemetery, Wichita. A memorial has been established with Grace Presbyterian Church Mission Fund, 5002 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67208.