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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 26, 2016)
16 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Obituaries Cheryl Ann Thornhill Vernon Lloyd Weible October 17, 1955 — October 13, 2016 1930 — 2016 Cheryl Ann Thornhill of Sisters passed away October 13 at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. She was 60. A memorial service will take place Saturday, October 29, at noon at Westside Church in Sisters, 442 Trinity Way. Her wishes were for guests not to wear black. Cheryl was born October 17, 1955 in San Francisco, California, to Robert and Joann (Rowe) Rickards. On September 22, 1973, Cheryl married Laird Thornhill in Sisters. Immediately following their reception, they moved to Oakland, California, where her husband was sta- tioned in the U.S. Navy. Coming from the sleepy town of Sisters, she was awakened by life in the big city; their first apart- ment had a fire escape and a murphy bed. Subsequent duty stations landed her in Washington, D.C. and Naval Air Station Keflavik in Iceland. After six years as a military wife, she and her family settled in Seattle, Washington, and eventually relocated back to the place she had always called home — Sisters. While living in Seattle, Cheryl worked in telephone product sales and later worked as a shipping super- visor at an electronics com- pany in Sisters. Cheryl came to know the Lord with her husband at Christmas Eve service in 2000. Her devotion to family and her faith in Jesus Christ supported her in her strug- gles in life, finding strength in the Scripture, especially the verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strength- ens me.” Her strength was an example to many who knew Vernon Lloyd Weible, a friend to all who knew him, passed from this life on Friday, September 9. He was born in Nebraska in 1930. Vern’s fam- ily moved to Camas, Washington, in 1936, where he cultivated a life- long appreciation for the outdoors and life’s simple pleasures. Graduating from Mortuary Science College in 1955, he would spend the next 61 years providing dignified and compassion- ate service to thousands of people in their final stage of life. Vern’s accomplish- ments in this life were many: a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, president of the Oregon Association of Mounted Posses, president of the Oregon Cemetery Association, an Elk for life and a founding member and president of Oregon Equestrian Trails were among those he was most proud of. Vern excelled at horse- manship, trying to fix any- thing, telling stories, out- smarting squirrels, never complaining, acts of kind- ness, forecasting weather and reading any Western paperback he could get his hands on. He loved watch- ing sports, trail-riding, hard work, a cold beer, a good nap and laughter. He was ever-patient, selfless, honor- able and a true gentleman. He never failed to salute the flag, or help someone in need. When he hugged you, you knew it. To those who knew Vern, he was a friend, a mentor, a compadre, a rock, a hero. He inspired us by his generos- ity and wisdom, and warmed us with his smile and wit. In the end, Vern taught us that courage is all about of her courageous battle with personal health issues. Even in the midst of those strug- gles, she would continue to put others before herself. Cheryl found delight in searching for that “special little something” at yard sales and thrift stores that she knew would bring some- one joy. She also enjoyed watching movies, collecting “I Love Lucy” memorabilia, and koala bears. Her favorite place to visit was the Oregon Coast, and her wishes were to have her ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean. A wonderful person, with a big heart of compassion, Cheryl’s greatest role in life was that of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She cherished her family and puppies, which were her companions. Cheryl is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Laird Thornhill of Sisters; son Clay Thornhill of Sisters; daughter Shannon (husband Daniel) Merrill of Spokane, Washington; and two grandchildren, Dakota and Dalton, who together brought her great joy. Other survivors include her father, Robert Rickards; a brother, Robert Rickards, Jr.; and a sister, Connie Mogan, all of Sisters. She was preceded in death by her mother. Memorial contributions in Cheryl’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Central Oregon. being scared, but saddling- up anyway. His spirit is now free to ride beside God, and explore the starry range of the Universe — just him, his horse Sleepy and a small pack of dogs. He is survived by his great love and soul-mate, Sandra, and his treasured children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We grieve the loss of Vern in our lives, but are profoundly grateful for the life he shared with us. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend time with your loved ones, enjoy the quiet beauty of a sunset, befriend a stranger, and raise a glass to the endur- ing wonders of this life. That is what Vern would wish for each of us. A private memorial ser- vice will be held. Please visit the guest registry for the family at www.niswonger- reynolds.com. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Oregon Equestrian Trails, 1017 S.E. Sunnyside Rd. #101, Clackamas, OR 97015 www. oregonequestriantrails.org or Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, P.O. Box 130, Sisters, OR 97759. Information provided by the family and friends of Vernon Lloyd Weible. Obituaries Policy: The Nugget Newspaper does not charge a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries may be up to 400 words and include one photo. Obituaries outside these guidelines are handled by The Nugget Newspaper advertising department. Obituary submissions must be received by noon on Monday. Obituaries may be submitted to The Nugget by email or hand delivery to our office located at 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters.