Cheryl Diane Lemke

October 27, 1949 – May 7, 2023 Cheryl D. (Maier) Lemke was welcomed Home to the arms of Jesus and her husband, Bob Lemke, who preceded her seven weeks earlier. As she did throughout her life, Cheryl continued to shine the light of Christ through an extended cancer journey and death of her spouse. Her faith and hope remained strong for she knew well in her lifetime the love and care of their Shepherd. Cheryl was beloved by her family and multitude of friends and associations. Her heart welcomed many.

Cheryl was the oldest of three daughters born to Robert (Bob) and Audrey (Lowe) Maier in Yakima, Washington. She is survived by her mother, Audrey, and two sisters, Jan (Ron) Torres of Yakima and Nancy (Wayne) Bentz, of Spokane; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides. Cheryl was preceded in death by her father in October 2018.

Bob and Cheryl were newlyweds of 20 and 18 at their marriage 54 years ago on August 24, 1968. They became parents to two sons, Brian (Dayna) Lemke and Jeff (Vickie) Lemke, both of Oklahoma. With no brothers and two sons, Cheryl, with Bob, gained two daughters through their sons’ marriages. The family grew to include four granddaughters (Katie, Tiffany, Kali, and Avery). Their grandchildren have added to date six great-grandsons (Greyson, Hudson, Weston, Nolan, Gardner, and recent arrival of infant Colin). The Lemke offspring, surviving both Bob and Cheryl, are testament to the family legacy they leave.

A lifetime Yakima native, Cheryl raised her children along with employment outside the home. In the early years, she worked for a short while at a buffet restaurant where her quiet attention to her work caught the notice of the visiting regional manager one day. She was later told by her boss that she had received remarks of what was considered ‘high praise’ from this manager who had a reputation for being hard to please, causing stress among the staff whenever he arrived. Cheryl took that same work ethic into her next job at Dairy Queen, easily making friends with several coworkers. Ice cream cones became synonymous with Cheryl the rest of her life! Once her sons reached their late teens, she was hired by Dr. Ron Warninger and became an integral part of Warninger Chiropractic Clinic. Thirty years of employment later, Cheryl retired from the practice with deep gratitude from those with whom she worked and three decades of growth, patient relationships, and lasting friendships formed. In the handful of years since she retired, Cheryl maintained warm friendships and family connections, her social nature a gift to many.

In their early empty-nester years, Cheryl and Bob enjoyed donning their leather jackets for motorcycle excursions together and with friends. One-on-one ministry and mentoring women of all ages was a hallmark of Cheryl’s life. Between her individual relationships and the home group she and Bob hosted for years in their home, they embraced many with the Lord’s love on a personal level. Cheryl was the family photographer and techy person, fueled by McDonald’s lemonade slushies in season. Coffee and a camera (which few could escape!) were always at the ready. Maple bars and her homemade breakfast cookies were her favorite staples. In her later days, Pringles were found stashed close by, often hidden from family and company under a handy Kleenex. Better than Pringles, though, were her two beloved fur babies, Truffles and Licorice. They were her constant companions, never leaving her side for very long.

Bob and Cheryl are greatly loved and will be deeply missed. The family extends their gratitude to the medical and hospice staff, family and friends who cared for and served them both so well.

A double Celebration of Life for Bob and Cheryl Lemke is planned for Monday, May 22, 2023 at 1 pm

West Valley Missionary Church

11107 Wide Hollow Rd, Yakima, WA 98908

Keith & Keith Funeral Home has been caring for the family for Bob’s and Cheryl’s arrangements. Their interment together will be at Tahoma Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Lemke family.