Cheryl Diane Oliver

Cheryl Diane "Cher" Oliver, 74, passed away July 28 at Kansas City Hospice House following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Kansas City, MO on May 21, 1951 to Joyce and Robert Groom. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Lonnie Lee Groom, and former husband Bill Oliver. She is survived by her devoted husband of twelve years, Dan Mroz, stepdaughter Cori Mroz, brother Shawn Groom (Desiree), sister-in-law Pam Groom, niece Loren Groom (Sam Singh), great niece Sloane, her beloved greyhounds Ziggy, Talulah and Avatar, and countless friends and "chosen family".

In 2005 Cher opened Pooches Paradise in Kansas City, a dog boarding and doggie daycare business. Cher knew every dog and every dog parent by name and she personally made sure each and every "client" had a great stay and looked forward to coming back! She expanded and relocated the business and operated it successfully until her retirement.

Cher was a gifted artist, silversmith and interior designer and she had an unmatched eye for color and an incredible sense of style. Her home was filled with her beautiful collections and it reflected her warmth and hospitality. She was the most gracious hostess, and her parties and dinners were always overflowing with laughter and love. She made every friend and family member feel so special.

As talented and versatile as Cher was, her true passion in life was rescuing greyhounds. She founded KCREGAP (Kansas City Retired Greyhounds as Pets) in 1992. The organization has rescued and found safe and loving forever homes for more than 6500 greyhounds in the years since. Cher faced nearly insurmountable odds when she took on the racing industry, but she never backed down. Her courage and determination and her tireless work on behalf of the dogs helped to close down nearly every track in the United States. She was one of the greatest advocates ever for greyhounds, and she said of her work, "This is the most important thing I have done in my life and will ever do in my life."

Cher will be missed by all who loved her, and her absence will be felt throughout the animal rescue community and beyond. Friends may honor Cher's memory by making memorial donations to KCREGAP at kcregap.org