Cheryl Hlava

In Loving Memory of Cheryl Jean Hlava

April 24, 1950 – March 26, 2025

Cheryl Jean Hlava, 74, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at Advent Health Hospice Porter in Centennial, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Gordon, Nebraska, Cheryl was the youngest of three children of Fred and Alice (Waddill) Hlava. She graduated from Gordon High School in 1968 and went on to attend college in Minnesota and Chadron State College in Nebraska. She eventually settled in Denver, Colorado, where she spent over five decades building a life filled with purpose, friendships, and family.

In 1971, Cheryl began her career with United Bank of Denver. She remained with the organization through its transitions to Norwest and ultimately Wells Fargo. She was serving as Executive Secretary for Credit Administration, at the time of her retirement in 2004. Cheryl’s 33 years of service were marked by her professionalism, dedication, and excellence. In 1992, she was recognized as a Service Champion — a testament to her work ethic and character.

Cheryl had a deep love for travel, especially when it meant adventuring alongside her sister, Peggie. Together, they explored destinations across the U.S. and abroad. When they weren’t traveling on their own, they often shared their journeys with their brother Fred and his wife Wendy. She was also a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and her beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.

She was a devoted and loving aunt who took immense joy in nurturing relationships with her nieces, nephews, and their children. With enthusiasm, she was there for their sporting events, school performances and special milestones. Her home and heart were always open. Family meant everything to Cheryl.

Cheryl maintained a strong connection to her roots in Gordon. She made countless trips back to visit family and friends and throughout her life never missed reading the local Gordon newspaper. She maintained her membership in the United Methodist Church in Gordon while also being an active member and faithful participant at Washington Park United Methodist Church.

Cheryl was devoted to her friends and their children and grateful for the joy they brought to her life. Cheryl was a lung cancer survivor for 18 years while it was difficult for her to be active outside of her apartment, she was fiercely independent. Her life was full, her spirit generous and her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.