Janice Arlene Cheek

Janice Arlene (Martin) Cheek also known as "Cheekie", "Sweet Cheeks", "Cheekie Cheekie Boom Boom", "NeeNee" (by sibling Ken) was born at home on a farm in Stonington, CO to Russel T. Martin and Alta R.C. (Heriford) Martin on July 5, 1928. She was a sister to 5 siblings; Glynda, Randall, Ronald, Steve, and Ken. Her first year of schooling ignited a distaste for school. It all started with a school teacher that pronounced her first name wrong. She then decided to go by Arlene instead of Janice. She attended East Wentworth & Stonington School through the 8th grade. She married Frank Crissman at a very young age, then divorced him in 1955. She then met the LOVE of her life, Bobby C.B. Cheek. They were married on June 16, 1957 in Clayton, New Mexico. They raised 6 beautiful children together; Dennis, Terry, Lynetta, Barbara, Bonnie, Brenda and 8 foster kids throughout the years. As a family they made homes in Springfield, Vilas, Wray, and Canon City within Colorado. Through the years she worked as a telephone operator at Mountain Bell, waitressed at Farmers Café, held retail positions at Duckwalls/Alco, and was a telephone operator at AT&T. She made her career as a telephone operator, working first as a switchboard telephone operator at Mountain Bell in Springfield. She started back in the telephone industry with AT&T when the family moved to Canon City. There she moved with the company as they closed down the office in Canon City, then Pueblo, and then Colorado Springs. One of her favorite co-workers Kathleen Wingo "Pookie" was like part of our family. She retired from AT&T with 20 years of service and many miles on "Alma", her Cadillac. In her downtime Arlene enjoyed crafting (sewing, crocheting, painting), cooking, fellowship with friends, helping people, raising roses, Soap Opera TV shows (Days of Our Lives), and her favorite pastime retail therapy. She would say "my feet are itching to go shopping". Arlene grew up in the church and knew Jesus at a very young age. She renewed her dedication to the Lord as a young mother. Terry Douglass baptized her in her home in Canon City, CO. She was a member of the Lincoln Nazarene Church, several bible study groups, and taught Sunday School. On September 24th, 1997 her beloved husband went home to be with the Lord. They were happily married for 40 years. After Bobby passed, Arlene spent her days fellowshipping with family and friends, helping them when she could. Siblings, children, grandchildren and friends visited her as often as they could, bringing goodies, hugs, and kisses with them. In 2014, her health declined significantly and the family moved her to assisted living at the Legacy Center in Canon City. Later in 2019 her daughter, primary care giver, Bonnie Lane moved to North Carolina. The family moved her to Yuma Life Care in Yuma, CO. When Yuma Life Care closed its doors in 2021 she was transferred to Haxtun Health Extended Care. Her caregivers at Legacy, Yuma Life, and Haxtun Extended Care loved her to pieces, providing comfort when family was unable to be with her during the Covid restrictions. Arlene's family has been very grateful for the all the love caregivers provided. Arlene went home to heaven at age 93 on November 19, 2021 with her children at her side, loving on her. Arlene is lovingly survived by 2 brothers; sister-n-law Audrey Martin of Colorado Springs, CO; brother Steve and wife Orene Martin of Johnson, KS; and brother Ken Martin and good friend Tony Romo of Nothglenn, CO. She resides in the hearts of 6 children, 26 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. The family of son Dennis Cheek of Canon City, CO, grandchildren; Hilary & husband Kris Westhoff of Brookside, CO; grandchildren Cole & prior wife Kelly Gutierrez, current wife Amber Cheek, great-grandchildren Cori, Chloe, and Lake of Canon City, CO; granddaughter Gillian Cheek, great-grandchildren Landon and Tyson of Canon City, CO. The family of son Terry and wife Judy Cheek of Wray, CO, grandchildren; JimBob Cheek and wife Nikki Gelvin great-grandchildren Spencer and Sydnee of Wray, CO; grandchildren Codie and husband Jay Evans of Ft. Lupton, CO. The family of daughter Lynetta and husband Bryce Day of Yuma,CO; grandchildren Chad and Sarah Day, great-grandchildren Emma, Lucy and husband Tommy Staggs, and Liddy of Yuma, CO; grandchildren Melissa and Ryan Orme, great-grandchildren Nikki and Jax of Woodland Park, CO. Daughter Barbara Cheek and friend Art of Gleneden Beach, OR. The family of daughter Bonnie and husband Joel Lane of SouthPort, NC; grandson Jesse Lane, great-grandchild Henry of Colorado Springs, CO; granddaughter Nicole Lane, great-grandchildren Madison, Alivia, and Colton of Colorado Springs, CO; granddaughters Jessica Lane and wife Kristen Mudge of Brook-lyn, MI; grandson Bobby Lane and girlfriend Rachel Saucedo of Wilmington, NC. The family of daughter Brenda and husband Keith Chapman of Yuma, CO; grandchildren Zachary of Otis, CO and girlfriend Amanda Hungate of Redondo Beach, CA; grandsons Shaun Chapman and partner DeSean Martin of Denver, CO; granddaughter Breann of Otis, CO and boyfriend Tyler Lebsock of Yuma, CO. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Arlene is preceded in death by; parents Russel and Alta Martin of Springfield, CO; loving husband Bobby Cheek of Canon City, CO; sister Glynda and husband Harry Edwards of Canon City, CO and ex-husband Ed Bechtle of Arvada, CO; brother Randall and wife Mary Martin of Shattuck, OK; brother Ronald and first wife Nancee Martin of Fountian, CO; daughter-n-law LouAnn Cheek of Canon City, CO; and numerous family members and friends. Services were held at Yuma Nazarene Church in Yuma, CO on November 26, 2021. Graveside services were held at Springfield Cemetery in Springfield, CO on November 27, 2021. Reverend Terry Douglass, longtime family friend, presided over both services.