Cheryl Ruth Bunner

Cheryl went home to be with Jesus on Friday, March 31, 2023. She died at home surrounded by her family and dear friends. She was 77 years old.  

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on September 14, 1945, to Thornton Wilkes Leland and Iris Dean (Haynes) Leland. She had two older siblings, Donald Lee Leland and Suzanne Dean (Leland) Raper. She was married to Franklin Renollet in 1963, divorced, then remarried to Mark Bunner in 1974.

Cheryl attended Arsenal Technical High School until her junior year when her life was beautifully interrupted with the birth of her firstborn. Cheryl worked at various places during her lifetime: Karma Records, Dawn House as a drug counselor, L.S. Ayres, Gap, Jacobson’s, and Kirkpatrick Management Company as a property manager, as well as being a loving wife and raising three beautiful children. 

“Exuberantly generous, delighting in others, in the good gifts of this life:  a family dinner, fresh peaches, a sunset on Lake Michigan, sunny mornings, Agatha Christie mysteries, the color yellow, but mostly delighting in the goodness of God,” is how her granddaughter Elise described her, accurately.  Cheryl was beautiful and was known to be full of life, joy, and love. 

In 1974, in a dream she saw the back of Jesus’ head and touched it, feeling love like she had never known.  From that time on her life was dramatically changed from darkness to light. She loved Jesus with all of her heart and followed Him and desired for all to know Who she found and how He could change their lives dramatically, like hers, to truly know their desperate need for God, the forgiveness of sin, peace, and the fullness of joy as one follows and obeys Him. 

Cheryl and Mark first attended The First Church of the Nazarene where she was loved unconditionally and discipled as a new believer.  They then went to Indianapolis Christian Fellowship for many years where they served in many ways and developed deep life-long friendships. Cheryl was part of the worship team, they would do street evangelism, served as home group leaders where many came to their home weekly and were loved and discipled.  Cheryl and Mark, along with other friends, organized and brought in Christian music groups and artists to Indianapolis so others could enjoy great music with eternal values. Some of the groups and artists they helped to bring in were: Amy Grant, Dogwood, Don Francisco, Barry McGuire, Daniel Amos, and Terry Talbot. Once others heard of their testimony they were asked to be on television to tell many.  They also started the church Grace Christian Fellowship in the mid-nineties proclaiming the Gospel.  Tom and Suzanne Raper, her brother-in-law and sister, would hold RV Rallies in Richmond, Indiana, and Cheryl and Mark would sing and tell others about Jesus, giving their testimony. Many found new life in Christ.  Cheryl was quick to tell others about Jesus when she was given the opportunity. In recent years they attended College Park Church. 

Cheryl was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed. The family finds comfort in her love for the Lord, and knowing she is in paradise with Jesus.

Blessed to have three children: son, Don Renollet (Elaine), daughter, Renee (Renollet) Deputy (James), and son, Frank Renollet (Susie). She also had 11 grandchildren: Elise (Dagi) Tegegne, Donnie (Jeanie) Renollet, Grace Renollet, Gloria Renollet, Olivia Renollet, Michael Deputy (Courtney), Anna Moore (Chris), Cheryl King (Kevin), Balmore Orellana (Ara), Gabrielle Renollet, and Samuel Renollet and 8 great grandchildren:  Jeremiah Tegegne, Leland Renollet, Moses Renollet, Gideon Deputy, Thea Deputy, Suzie Moore, Timothy Moore, and Saphira Orellana.

Cheryl’s life will be celebrated at College Park Church (2602 West 96th Street, Indianapolis, 46268) on Wednesday, April 5th, with visitation from 10 am - 12 pm, followed by the service.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Cheryl,  please consider a donation to Mercy Ships (www.mercyships.org).  Cheryl and Mark have supported Mercy Ships for years.  Mercy Ships have hospital ships filled with volunteer professionals who selflessly provide life-changing surgeries for children, teens, and adults who are suffering from treatable problems and have no access to medical care.