Hazel VanMeter Cherry

Hazel VanMeter, 89, born April 10, 1904 at Anneta, Ky. to Lutishie Stinnett and William Nathan VanMeter, died Feb. 27, 1994 at McMahon Tomlinson Nursing Center in Lawton, Ok., where she had been a resident since closing her home in Bethany, Ok. She had lived in the Bethany area for 26 years. She was the second child of six children, Preston VanMeter of Shively, Ky., Verna Buster of Monmouth, Il., Sudie Houbaugh of Ottawa, Il., Irene Decker of Hinkley, Il. and Victor VanMeter of LaSalle, Il. On Nov. 24, 1924, she married the late Louis Lee Cherry. They owned and operated a grocery store in Peabody, Ks. for many years. Hazel was a devoted wife and helpmate to her husband. To this union were born 4 daughters, Margie Louise (Mrs. Bill R. Johnson) of Lawton, Ok., Irene Elizabeth (preceded her in death in 1946), Mary Rose Monroe (Harry D.) of Nashville, Tn., Betty Jean (Mrs. Denny G. Owens) of Okinawa, Japan. She moved to Bethany, Ok. from Abilene, Ks., where she had been active in the planting of the Church of the Nazarene in that city. She was a member of the Bethany 1st Church of the Nazarene, where she was a Sunday School teacher. She was a devoted Christian, always giving of herself to others. She opened her home to many college students and therefore is remembered around the world as "Grandma Cherry". It took the bravest kind of courage to face the everyday affairs of her life. It was on this battlefield that our Mother displayed a heroic nature that was unexcelled. She was never too busy t o give of herself to her children. It was here that she unflinchingly triumphed amidst all the oppositions, frictions, strains and heartbreak of her life. Besides her daughters, she leaves 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and a host of loving friends. Thank you God for giving us the privilege of being in our Mother's care - She knew you well and therefore poured out a love that only could have come from knowing you. She was a strong person and deeply committed - Our Flower has budded, opened wide with beauty and love. It now fades into thy presence, with radiance that only you could have bestowed upon her. Memorials to the Hazel Cherry Memorial Fund, c/o Bethany 1st Nazarene Church, 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway, Bethany, Ok. 73008. Services 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Bethany 1st Nazarene Church. Interment at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, Ks., beside her beloved husband.

From: The Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, OK - March 3, 1994

 

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