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Cheryl Imes Obituary
Dr. Cheryl Imes
Dr. Cheryl Lynn Imes, a clinical psychologist at College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California, died on December 20 at the Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. The cause of death was organ failure brought on by Hepatitis C. She was 59.
Born on October 28, 1954 in Peoria, Illinois, Dr. Imes graduated from Richwoods Community High School in 1972 and from the University of New Mexico in 1978. She received a Masters degree in experimental psychology from Bradley University in Peoria in 1982 and a PhD in psychology from Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis in 1990. In 2000, she became a clinical psychologist at College of the Desert, where she was tenured.
Dr. Imes had a life-long passion for helping others, counseling victims of domestic violence, teens and others about drug and alcohol addiction, students suffering from depression, and patients with neuropsychological damage due to head injuries. Dr. Imes served on the Advisory Board for Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services and on the Desert Task Force of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
She was a loving owner of dogs over the course of her life and, at times, took them to comfort those who were ill or elderly and suffering. Keenly intelligent and a beautiful writer, she began writing poetry and essays as a teenager and continued to do so throughout her life.
Dr. Imes' warm spirit remains with those who loved her deeply and survive her, including her parents, Vernon Imes of Wichita, Kansas and Shirley Miller of Palm Desert, California; her sisters, Elizabeth Gordon of Sky Valley, California and Linda Imes of New York City; her nieces Nicole Westart, Breana Rogers, and Ella and Tess Wodin; and her brothers-in-law Dave Gordon and Fredrick Wodin. She is also survived by her long-time partner Phillip Franklin, her close friend Robert Kronick, and her Papillions, Belle, Lexi and Jogi.
Dr. Imes' family is grateful to the Indiana University Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff, who gave her an extra year of life with a liver transplant in late 2012, and who worked valiantly for her survival. Her family is also grateful to College of the Desert, which supported her throughout her ordeal, including battles with uterine and liver cancer.
A memorial service will be held in Palm Desert, California, in February of 2014. Donations in Dr. Imes' memory should be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cheryl Imes
February 14, 2014
my dear friend, Cheryl, you weren't suppose to leave us! from the first day I met you at work, we became fast friends sharing laughter together to ease the day's work. I will miss you dearly.....your endearing smile, our talks, your warm open heart and wonderful friendship! Your the BEST....
Ru
Dianna & Larry Attkisson
February 6, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cheryl's dear family & friends. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Cheryl's sweet spirit and kind heart! She will be so dearly missed by all of the people she loved and encouraged.
Todd Smith
February 5, 2014
Cheryl. I will miss your loving, caring, and soothing calmness about you. I want to thank you and Philip for being a big part of my recovery. My sincere condolences to your partner and our friend Philip, as well as your Mother and Bob, and your family. God bless you.
January 22, 2014
My Dearest Cheryl,
You touched the life of every person who was lucky enough to have known you. My heartfelt condolence goes out to your family and friends. You were the most kind,compassionate and caring person I've have ever known.I will cherish the memories of you forever. Goodbye my angel.
Joyce Chapman
January 21, 2014
I met Cheryl through a Papillon Rescue Group. Even though she had a lot on her plate to deal with, she took the time to help us out. I know how much she loved her own papillons. She was a caring and compassionate person, who has left us too soon and she will be missed. My condolences to her loving family.
January 15, 2014
Cheryl, you were a dear friend and being that we were both from Illinois and shared the same Birthday I always felt a special connection with you. You did so much to help so many people out you were a true inspiration.. May you Rest In Peace. Love Jay Grilli
January 14, 2014
Cheryl was such a warm and gentle spirit. I will miss her and her kindness. Bobbi Hill (formerly of Palm Desert, Ca.)
Mary Schumacher
January 13, 2014
Cheryl was an example of courage as she dealt with her disease. She continued to show up even when she was very ill. Now her struggle is ended. May she rest in the peace of eternal life.
Liz Gordon
January 12, 2014
Cheryl's celebration of life will be February 15 at 1 pm at the center for spiritual living in Palm desert ( on the corner of Portolan and mountain View). please join us in celebrating her amazing soul, spirit, work ethic, and loyalty.
Carol Davis
January 10, 2014
My condolences to Cheryl's family. I was Cheryl's psychology intern for two years while she was at Loma Linda university. Cheryl had an amazing amount of compassion for patients and for people in general. I have worked in health care for almost 40 years and rarely have I met a professional so dedicated to her patients welfare. In psychology empathy is everything, it cannot be taught, and Cheryl had so much empathy for her patients. She was a wonderful role model, and a charming, kind person with a great sense of humor. I shall miss her.
June Gray
January 8, 2014
May you rest in peace and dance with the Angels my friend. You taught me the true meaning of courage in your fight to live. I was honored to know you. My sincere condolences to your family.
You will be remembered with love. June.
Bonnie Lipton
January 7, 2014
Cheryl will be remembered for her warmth, her dedication to foster the mental health of our community, her intelligent skills and her beautiful self. Condolences to the Imes Family and her love ones.
Lisa Halleck-Ellerbroek
January 7, 2014
I was so sad to read about Dr. IMES. I was lucky enough to meet her last semester. She always treated me with gentleness and respect. I am truly sad for the family's loss
Linda Imes
January 5, 2014
Many thanks to each of you for sharing your thoughts and warm wishes about Cheryl. She loved trawling the internet at night and would have liked the idea of sharing feelings in this way. Our loss is profound, and we appreciate hearing how our wonderful sister touched your lives.
Liz Gordon
January 5, 2014
Thank you everyone for your thoughts about my sister, Cheryl. I miss her dearly as we were very close and spent a lot of time together. She was such a giving empathetic soul and I learned so much from her and her approach to problems. Her celebration of life will be February 15 at the center for spiritual living in Palm desert. I will post the time as I know it and I do hope you can attend.
Adrian Gonzales
January 3, 2014
My wife Cynthia and I were saddened to hear of Cheryl's passing. Cheryl's strength, professionalism, and dedication to others was truly inspirational. She will be missed by all who were blessed to have known her. Our condolences to all of Cheryl's family and friends.
January 2, 2014
It's with sadness to acknowledge Cheryl's passing, but like others who have had the privilege of knowing her, she touched my heart and made an impact that was so positive and filled with awe for her. May her family find comfort knowing she lived her life to the fullest and that Phil will uplifted in times of sadness that he was a part of her life too. love always, Jan Laguire
Jackie Davis
January 2, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Cheryl's death. I only knew her for a short 4 years but I can tell you the entire 4 years I have known her courage and positive attitude was always a true inspiration to me, I looked to her a great deal. You will be missed! My heartfelt sympathy to Phil and the rest of her family, know that you have a new angel watching over you now. RIP Cheryl.
Diana Squillace
Diana Squillace
January 2, 2014
Dear Family and Friends of Dr. Cheryl Lynn Imes; May the love and support of friends and family and the wonderful memories of Dr. Imes carry you through your times of bereavement. I am personally so very sad to hear about College of the Desert's very loved and cherished psychologist. She served our college well, and she even helped me through a difficult period, not only because of her intelligence and expertise but also because of her kind and gentle heart. Blessings to all of you. My heart is with you.
Elise King
January 2, 2014
Dearest Imes Family...may you find some comfort in knowing that Cheryl was loved and respected by her students, colleagues and friends at College of the Desert. She was a gift to us all.
Carol Castro
January 2, 2014
I will greatly miss Cheryl's wonderful emails, filled with the hope of extended life and good health. I have never in my life known a mightier warrior than Cheryl. While her presence is missed, she is but a thought away. She was a truly unique, beautiful, and gentle individual. My deepest sympathy to Phil and to Cheryl's parents and family. Also, to the nieces, Cheryl spoke of you OFTEN, as if you were her own children. She deeply loved you.
Dr. Diane Ramirez
January 1, 2014
It was a distinct pleasure to have known and worked with Dr. Imes as she patiently and with dedication helped so many students at College of the Desert. It with great sadness to learn of her passing but thankfulness for what she brought to others. Peace.
Susan Norby
December 31, 2013
Cheryl.....what a great person and friend...I miss you already...
robert Kronick
December 30, 2013
Bob Kronick
Cheryl you are deeply loved and sorely missed by many! enjoyed every second I ever spent with you.I learned so much from our time spent together.
December 29, 2013
We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Imes family.
-Jim & Rita Pavlacic
Peoria, Illinois
Cyndi Palm, Johnson
December 28, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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