"Cher-Bear was one in a million! She touched so many lives. She inspired me with her passionate whole-hearted approach to life and her dedication to her daughters, Libby and Grace. I know she is rejoicing with her parents and many others in heaven. She will be missed."
In loving memory of
Cheri Eddy-Crigler
March 27, 1956 - January 5, 2022
Cheryl Ann Eddy-Crigler, commonly referred to as "Ed" by her friends, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 5, 2022. Cheri was always a faith filled woman but deepened her connection to Christ over the last decade. Her spirituality guided her giving soul to be an inspiration to anyone who was fortunate to spend time with her. At first the family was a little perplexed that the lord would call her to heaven so soon in her life. But then we all realized that even the lord likes a good party too.
Cheri was a real pistol and larger than life lady even from a young girl. Her love of friends and the Mississippi river caused her dad, Al, many a sleepless night as she spent many of those nights on the river backwaters partying with her many friends
As an adult Cheri would light up a room with her presence whether it be a business meeting or an evening party. So many will remember their first meeting when she thrust her hand out to shake yours with a bold "HI I'M CHERI EDDY!". And holy cow did she love a good party. She would spend many a night with the woods lit up with laughter and friendship on her beloved farm, Heavens Valley. Cheri was animated and a real fun seeker. No question, she could start, join and be one of the last to leave any party or gathering. Her energy was contagious, and her spark would many times ignite a roaring fire Like the many, many bonfires she ignited on the farm. If you ever talked to Cheri, she would truly listen to what you had to say and always figure out a way to make you smile.
She was an avid golfer and loved her time on the links. There is no doubt she is in heaven and guess what?......she can now smack a 2-iron right down the middle!
Cheri was accomplished in many things. A good mother for sure but in addition she was a top salesperson in the telecommunications industry. More recently she was a very successful realtor for Keller Williams in Winona. Something tells me their sales numbers will be a little lower this year.
Her main focus was her family, community, and friends. She was involved in many charitable boards and fundraisers throughout the years and to say that she made a difference in the community is an understatement. Cheri Eddy-Crigler made a difference in a lot of our lives.
But most of all she loved her family. Her two daughters, Libby and Gracie were the loves of her life. We found her Gratitude Journal and this was the first entry: "Today my heart was thinking of my two beautiful daughters and how the Lord has blessed me beyond measure by making them a reality IN MY FORTIES!! I was feeling so grateful for them I had to reach out and let them know it! Thanks be to God for Libby and Grace" Yes indeed she loved those girls. But she also loved others. Her husband of 26 years, Jim Crigler, and all his extended children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, she loved them too. Her own extended family of brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles were also high on her love list. She was always organizing family events and planning trips to stay in touch with family. Truly, she will be missed by us all.
She was preceded in death by her mother Doris Elaine Eddy and her father Albert Warren Eddy. Her father coined her at a young age as the "Sugar Coated Bulldozer" and THAT she was! She would set her mind to something and by God, it was going to happen. "Sugar Coated" of course.
She leaves behind the following family: Daughters, Elizabeth Overland Crigler (Libby) and Grace Anne Crigler (Gracie); Ex-Husband of 26 years Jim Crigler; Stepson Bryan Mathew Crigler, Stepdaughter Emily Anne Crigler, Stepdaughter Carrie Ann Lewis, Stepdaughter Lisa Diane (Always) Bevilacqua, Stepdaughter Carolyn (Royce) Olson, Stepdaughter Rene Daniels as well as many, many step grandchildren. Her Brother, John Eddy (Susan) and nieces Allison Eddy (Ryan), Madeline Eddy, Nephews Michael Eddy, Will Eddy. Brother, Chuck Eddy (Laura). Nieces Alexandra Moore (Austin), Anna Eddy, Nephew Ryan "Ryster Meister" Eddy (Lauren)
Today the sun is a little less bright, the sky a little less blue, the world a bit more somber. And that's OK for a little while. But if we want to truly honor Cheri and her zest for life, and look for that light to shine bright again, the sky to be a most spectacular blue and the world to be a little more joyful let's honor her with a celebration of life.
A Celebration of Life Service for Cheri will be held at 5:00pm on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the Hoff Celebration of Life Center, 3480 Service Dr., Goodview, MN. Visitation will be from 2:00 - 5:00pm also at Hoff Celebration of Life Center. In lieu of flowers, donations made be sent to the Class of 1974 Memorial Scholarship Fund - checks made out to Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools with the Class of 1974 Memorial Scholarship Fund in the memo - mailed to Foundation for WAPS at 1570 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987. Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview, is assisting the family with arrangements.
For those unable to attend Cheri's service in person, the Live Stream link is here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1642112516159569
Tributes
"We are deeply saddened by Cheri?s passing. We first met Cheri when we listed our house for sale. She told us we were her first sale. Right away we knew she was special. She got our house sold and helped us move into our new one. Ten years later we called on her again to help us transition to selling our house in 5 days. We always looked forward to our fun conversations. She made you feel like you were her best friend. Last Christmas she gave us a wooden salt box. We will treasure it and always remember her when using it. We want to thank you for the live service as we were able to pray with ya?ll from Mississippi! May your memories help ease your pain. God Bless, Rose & Kevin Seales"
"My sister and I grew up in Gilmore Valley and attended the Gilmore Valley School along with Cheri and her brothers. It was a wonderful way to grow up with many happy times riding bikes, playing ball, and sledding in the winter. I was shocked to hear about Cheri?s sudden passing. My deepest sympathy to her family."
"I met Cheri through my sister-in-law Debbi (Hoseck)Spencer when they were in High School together and have always had nothing but positive vibes from Cheri! She could always lift you up when you\'d run in to her. What a gift for making people always see the best in everything! My heart goes out to all of you in the loss of someone so special. Thinking of you and sending love. With deepest sympathy."
"Our deepest sympathies to the Crigler and Eddy families. I met Cheri in the early 80?s when I started working at First Computer in St. Paul. She became an instant friend to my wife and I. So many great memories of our time there include Cheri. She was one of those people you meet in life who is truly a good person. We don?t think Cheri ever knew how many people?s lives she touched. Literally everybody she met! She will be so missed here but heaven definitely got a lot brighter! Mike and Berta Sloan"
"I can not believe this....I am so sad. My heart and prayers are with her daughter and family. I did not know. I am heartbroken.???"
"To the Crigler and Eddy families, we are very sorry to learn of Cheri\'s passing. We didn\'t know Cheri on a personal level, but from reading her touching obituary and these tributes we know she truly was a wonderful woman and mother. We will take good care of her beloved Heaven\'s Valley, she really did create a magical place! "
"Cheri was a great friend in High School. Her smile, laughter and kindness were her gifts. We worked at Mr. T\'s during our High School years. She was the waitress I was the dishwasher. On her break time she would come back and help me with the dishes. She drove me home when my car was not working. When I was diagnosed with cancer she came and visited me. Cheri was a giving caring person with love. The last time I saw Cheri was at a get together this Summer at Sammy\'s Pizza with classmates of 1974. She hugged and kissed me and said Haz see you at our next class reunion. If I make it too Heaven where Cheri is that will be a great reunion. Mark (HAZ) Haesly"
"I did not know Cheri a long time, but recognized immediately that she was very kind and welcoming. I had the good fortune to have met her when my son Austin married her niece Alexandra and feel blessed to have known her, even for a brief time. Cheri always sought me out and made a point of sharing with me how much she loved my son, how thrilled she was he was joining the \"Eddy\" clan, and how glad she was to get to know the rest of our family. She wanted to come visit TX and welcomed more visits from our family to MN. She had room in her world for more \"Moore\'s.\" Her passing was much too soon and the \"family light\" may be just a tad dimmer, but I know the heavens are brighter because she is there. \"KIND words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly ENDLESS.\" --St. Mother Teresa-- With Deepest Sympathy, Patrice Moore "
"Libby and Grace, my heart goes out to both of you. I?m so privileged to have known Cheri and we had so much fun while Libby and my daughter Haley went through High School. So many great memories at Heaven?s Valley. Cheri was the fun and excitement during our girls trips to Hilton Head and Costa Rica. So many cherished memories with Cheri and her girls. Cheri made such a huge mark with everyone she knew and the Winona community. She will never be forgotten. "
"Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my Husband Dec 30Th. May God be with you and heal your Heart!! Mary Bronk {front desk Dr Neefe}"
"I\'m so sorry to learn of Cheri\'s passing. Cheri was my supervisor at Onan Corp in the late 80s. She was always smiling and had an encouraging word for everybody. She\'d always sing the little jingle when she walked past my cubicle \"Joanie, Joanie, bo-banna Banana-fana fo-fanna Fee-fi-mo-manna, Joanie!\" I was blessed to know Cheri! My condolences to her family."
"I didn?t know Cheri well; she was very good friends with my sister Karla and attended the memorial service for Karla back in Winona in 2014. We were all so happy to see her and appreciated her coming. She was a loyal, loving friend to Karla. I am sorry to hear of her passing."
"Since we walked (and road bikes) to school and attended k-6 grades together in that one room schoolhouse in Gilmore Valley, I would be one of your oldest and longest running classmates. We also had fun catching frogs at the frog pond. We shared many laughs and good times. Thanks for the memories."
"In the Late 70\'s. Early 80\'s.i remember. Going with. Uncle All. x Doris. x Cheri. x brothers. On the Patoon Boat. And Water Sking.Fun Fun. I just moved back. x I am. Sad a didn\'t. Reconnect..Yet. I am.Richie rich of the Lanesboro Overland\'s.. Also. God Bless. All."
"How do you say goodbye to the most joyous and generous person I?ve ever known? You don?t, yo say goodbye for now. You, Cheri, lit up my life like no other on the planet. You cared deeply for me and you were a co-momma to my three children who will forever think of you as Cher-Bear. The time spent on the farm enjoying bonfires, traveling with our girls, watching endless games of basketball, participating in Jefferson?s PTA, camps with our daughters, skits at church and so much more will keep your memory alive. My dear prayer partner, you will live on forever in Libby-Loo and Grace-Anne?s love of life, laughter, and compassion for others. God bless those who?s lives you enriched. Love you, my sister ? until we meet again. "
"Cheribelle, YOU are one in a million! Your love, laughter, energy, humor and faith have touched so many people. Memories of Gilmore Valley days, square dancing in the little red school house, to hiking and playing with you and your beautiful girls in Colorado. Happy trails girlfriend I love you! Katy Oskamp"
"What a deep impact you made on us all. Your loving acceptance and kindness was one of the first welcomes I had when we arrived in Winona almost 25 years ago. While singing with you in the St Paul?s church choir, you shared your joyous news of expecting your precious 1st child - describing it as a true gift from God. My life is full of memories of your giving spirit, inviting smile and laughter and positive impact and energy. I will miss you deeply and pray for peace and comfort for your daughters and family. We are all indebted to you for showing us how to live joyfully and gratefully. "
"Girlfriend Eddy, you truly were a light in my life and made me a better person for knowing you! So many memories - softball, Sanibel, 28 S. Thomas (and your fabulous Christmas parties at 28 S. Thomas), Heavens Valley and all the memories we?ve made at The Pelican Palace in the short time you?ve called it home. I will miss your laugh, your counsel, your humor, and your friendship more than I can say. Rest easy girlfriend, I?ll see you on the flip side. Nancy Langer-Deutsch "
"I love Cheri?s dad?s name for her, ?sugar coated bulldozer? so very appropriate ! Cheri was a classmate but most of all she was a friend, always kind, she could always be counted on if I needed her encouragement, wisdom or just her ear. She was an inspiration !! Cheri was involved in several causes at a time and worked tirelessly at them. I would wonder when would she find time to sleep. Good-bye Cheri, your light lives on in our hearts and heaven just got much brighter! I will miss you!"