Cheryl L. Gerding

Cheryl L. Gerding (nee Heiner), went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 11, 2025 after 84 joyous years on earth. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief but incredibly courageous battle with cancer and kidney failure.

She was born on October 19, 1941 in California, Pennsylvania and graduated from California Area High School in Coal Center, Pennsylvania in 1960. Shortly thereafter, while visiting relatives in Cleveland, she met and eventually married Gordon W. Charboneau. This marriage produced five children over a span of less than eight years. Her second marriage to Charles W. Gerding, lasted 37 years until his passing in 2024.

Cheryl's greatest passion was her family. If you were family, she loved you unconditionally, and by extension loved anyone that you loved. She was eternally optimistic, cheerful, and gregarious. If she knew you, she loved you. And if you knew her, you loved her. She quickly charmed and befriended waitresses, health care providers, cashiers, and the acquaintances of all her family members. She was infamous for her generous hugs and overly wet kisses. If you knew her long enough, you were likely to eventually received a handmade crocheted afghan with a color scheme appropriate for your alma mater, favorite sports team, or other specific interest. Cheryl's other passions included spending time with her family, reading, the Cleveland Browns, and yearly trips to Virginia Beach. She was a longtime fan of the daytime soap opera, Days of Our Lives, having never missed an episode since 1965.

Cheryl is survived by: her children, Douglas Charboneau (Bambi), Lee Charboneau (Tami), Eric Charboneau (Katy), Christopher Charboneau (Amy), and Michele Feather (William); her grandchildren, Sean Charboneau (Bridgette), Jacob Charboneau (Maddie), LeeMichael Charboneau (Tracy), Julia Charboneau, Morgan Charboneau, and Christopher Hofmann (Regan); and several nieces and nephews, including, Christine Tarnasky (Jay), Erin Hritz (Kevin), Kate Berman (Daniel), Colleen Novak (Daniel), Amanda Mowbray (Conan), Aaron Heiner, and Jerilyn Heiner. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by: her father, Vaughn Heiner; her mother, Ruth Cecelia Emiline Hartman Heiner; her sister, Ardis Lazar (William); three brothers, Barry Heiner (Janice), Lance Heiner (Michele), and Todd Heiner; and her nephew, Jeffrey Heiner.

At her requests, there will be no funeral service. A private committal service will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio, where she will be laid to rest with her late husband. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.