Cheryl "Sherry" Brown Ruge

Cheryl “Sherry” Brown Ruge, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her family, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and the love of those who knew her.

Cheryl was born on July 31, 1945, in Silver Grove, Kentucky. In childhood she enjoyed spending time with her sisters Diane and Kathy, as well as a large extended family with many aunts, uncles and cousins. As a young woman she graduated from the University of Kentucky with her degree in elementary education. She then married in 1968 and proceeded to earn her master’s degree. She touched a thousand lives throughout her career as a teacher over 30 years in Kentucky and Florida. She became a devoted mother to her three children: Cameron, Ryan and Amanda. She was later married to her beloved husband Gary Ruge and added two more children to her endless love; Georda and Duane. She and her Husband Gary shared 30 wonderful years together.

Cheryl also found great joy in being a grandmother of seven and a great grandmother of one. She cherished the special relationships she shared with her grandchildren. She loved world traveling and just a few months ago took her dream cruise through the Panama Canal and went ziplining in Honduras. She also enjoyed simple pleasures like game nights with friends and UK basketball. Most of all she treasured being surrounded by the people she loved; her family and close friends. Throughout her life she created a beautiful collection of memories with the people she loved the most.

She was preceded in death by her father Elmer “Bud” Willard and her mother Helen Ruschell Willard.

Cheryl leaves behind her husband Gary Ruge, children Cameron (Iris) Brown, Ryan (Ava) Brown, Amanda (Jeff) Lipscomb, Georda (Mike) Finnegan, Duane (Trish) Ruge, sisters Diane (Dan) Ossege, Kathy (Keith) Culp, many nieces, nephews and cousins who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Her life was one filled with family, treasured memories, laughter, celebrations, and the people she loved. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she gave will remain with her family always.

Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the ALS Foundation or St. Jude in her memory. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Chardonnay Condominiums Clubhouse, Cold Spring, Ky on October 11, 2026, at 4pm.