Rupe, Cheryl Elaine (Lambert) 1945

RUPE, LAMBERT, BUSICK, GOEMAAT

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/3/2008 at 20:44:43

Cheryl Elaine Rupe was born on June 5, 1945, in Ottumwa. She was the daughter of Sarah Elizabeth Busick Lambert. Cheryl was adopted as an infant by Abe and Josephine Goemaat of Melcher-Dallas. Cheryl attended the Melcher-Dallas Schools and graduated from high school. She continued her education at Des Moines Area Community College to become a medical secretary.

Cheryl started playing the piano and accordion at the age of 5. Starting in the eighth grade, Cheryl played for the high school proms. Cheryl also enjoyed singing with various groups in night clubs. She also played the organ and often sang and accompanied herself. Cheryl was a generous person. She often baked cookies and breads to give to friends and family. Cheryl's favorite hobby was knitting and crocheting. She spent many long hours making things for family and friends as well as giving lessons. The last few years Cheryl also enjoyed her laptop computer.

Cheryl was an avid writer. She wrote about life, prayers and poems. Cheryl had been certified as a "Free Lance Writer." The following is a poem she wrote.

Knit, Crochet
Knit, crochet, knit crochet
Work something different every day
Hands that are busy as they can be
Making things nice for you and me.
Knit, crochet, knit, crochet
Useful little things in every way
What better way to spend my time
Than to decorate your home and mine.

Cheryl never had children so her pride and joy was Shadow, her black lab. They spent many evenings at the Marion County Park together. Cheryl would pack a lunch and take treats for Shadow.

Cheryl Rupe passed away in Des Moines on March 17, 2007, at the age of 61.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her grandparents, Victor and Minnie Busick and Arend and Nellie Goemaat, mother, adopted parents and half brother.

Survivors include two half sisters, Jean Guy and Shirley Bird of Newton; two half brothers, Ron Lambert of Des Moines and Jerry Goemaat of Melcher-Dallas and three aunts, Bonnie Hill and Lucille Goemaat of Knoxville and Rosella Schlegel of Des Moines; two uncles, Roy Goemaat of Pella and Floyd Goemaat of Knoxville.

Memorial services for Cheryl Elaine Rupe were held on March 28 at Williams Funeral Home with Chaplain Bill Lane officiating. An organ/vocal recording made by Cheryl was played at the service. Memorials in memory of Cheryl may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

The Knoxville Journal Express, March 30, 2007