Cheryl L. Bayness

Cheryl Louise (Sandford) Bayness, 74, died Nov. 28, 2025, in Silvis, IL.

Cheryl was born Dec. 15, 1950, in Boone, Iowa, to Charles W. and Mary (Williams) Sandford. She graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 1969 and earned her bachelor’s degree in art education (K-12) from the University of Iowa in 1974.

Cheryl married the love of her life, Roger Lee Bayness, on April 20, 1974. They were blessed with three children, Jennifer Louise, Jeremy Denton and Brittany Eileen. Cheryl was a devoted mother who never missed one of her children’s activities, from dance or choir recitals to wrestling meets to theater performances. This support continued when she became a “Nana” to her seven grandchildren. She spent countless hours traveling to watch her grandchildren compete in their multitude of sports activities across the Midwest. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was adored by them in return.

Cheryl was a master creator who volunteered her time and artistic talents to the Riverdale High School theater department for decades, specializing in set design/construction, costume production, and choreography. She was an award-winning designer in the annual Quad City Arts Festival of Trees fundraising event for many years, sharing the magic and wonder of her Christmas decorations with the community.

Cheryl was an avid reader and enjoyed crafts, musical theater, traveling, gardening, playing card games, and spending time with her family and friends. She especially prized her close circle of friends – the “angels” – and the laughs and adventures they shared together.

Cheryl will be dearly missed by her husband of 51 years, Roger Bayness of Rapids City, IL; daughter, Jennifer L. (Scott) McFadden of Huntley, IL; son, Jeremy D. (Katie) Bayness of Huntley, IL; daughter, Brittany E. (Blake) Pawlikowski of Huntley, IL; sister-in-law, Maribeth Sandford of Marengo, IL.; and seven grandchildren, Aubrey L. and Ava G. McFadden, Katelyn J., Carter L. and Caden C. Bayness, and William J. and Charles J. Pawlikowski.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Sandford, and her brother, Charles D. Sandford.

A private family memorial will be held to honor Cheryl’s life. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline are assisting the family with arrangements.

"Her children shall rise up and call her blessed."

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.