Cheryl Cowden

Cheryl (Sendelbeck) Cowden, 68, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. following complications from chemotherapy treatment related to cancer.

Cheryl was born on April 12, 1957, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert and Delphine Sendelbeck. She grew up in Cincinnati alongside her brother Steve Sendelbeck, attending Indian Hill High School before earning her degree from the University of Cincinnati.

On August 2, 1980, Cheryl married the love of her life, Chris Cowden, in Cincinnati, beginning a 45-year marriage full of love, laughter, and shared adventures. Together they built their life across Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, raising two wonderful children and creating countless memories with family and friends.

Throughout her life, Cheryl brought diligence, creativity, and joy to everything she did. Her professional journey was as diverse as her talents—she served as a Bank Examiner with the Comptroller of the Currency, a Programmer at Merchants National Bank, a Preschool Aide and member of the Administration Staff of the preschool at East 91st Street Christian Church, an Accounts Representative for American Funds, and later as the Assistant Events Coordinator (fondly known in her family as the “Doughnut Queen”) at College Park Church.

Faith and creativity were central to Cheryl’s life. She participated in the Women’s Glee Club at the University of Cincinnati, played flute in the orchestra at E91, and later continued to serve as both a deacon and choir member at College Park Church. Her hobbies reflected her artistic and generous spirit—she loved crafts, cooking, travel, cake decorating, candy making, basket weaving, scrapbooking, decorating her home (and other people’s homes), and trying new recipes. She even made a cake for her own surprise baby shower, and was known for her unmatched ability to find the perfect gift for anyone.

Cheryl’s warmth, creativity and sense of fun touched every room she entered, every project she undertook, and every person she met.

She is survived by her loving husband Chris Cowden (67); their children Mallory (Cowden) Kornelis and husband Brian, Drew Cowden and wife Katie; and her cherished grandchildren Annika (12), Judah (10), and Asher (4). She is also survived by her father-in-law Robert Cowden, brother Steve Sendelbeck, nephews Justin Cowden (Nikki) and Ryan Cowden, and many dear friends who became like family.

Cheryl’s family extends a heartfelt thanks to Linda Zier, Greg & Kathy Apple, Amy Heitzman, and Carla Hayden for their loving support and friendship.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at College Park Church at 2606 W. 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. The service will also be available to view online at http://www.yourchurch.com/livefuneral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to College Park Church or Susan G. Komen (previously known as The Susan Gl Komen Breast Cancer Foundation).

In Cheryl’s words, “See ya later.”