CHERI LEA LYDDON
Cheri Lea Lyddon was born February 17, 1960 to Daryl S. and Helen I. (Bruner) Lyddon in Corning, Iowa. Cheri spent the first few years of her life on the family farm west of Clearfield with her parents and three older siblings.
Named her “Special Child” by her mother, Cheri’s sweet and loving personality made a lasting impression on all who knew her. Making one of life’s most difficult decisions but wanting the best for this “Special Child” at the age of seven, Cheri went to live at the Glenwood State Hospital School to attend the “Cottage Program” designed to prepare special needs people to live independently. She was ready to leave by age 21, moving to Taylor Ridge in Lenox, IA. While there she was employed by the Sheltered Workshop in Creston, IA, a program for handicapped adults designed to enable them to work for pay; this program was one that her mother, Helen, had helped to initiate the beginning of in Southwest Iowa.
Later Cheri was able to move to a home in Creston with community supported living through SIRF and Iowa Focus. Cheri lived in several homes where she made friends with many of the clients she resided with over the years. Developing serious health problems, Cheri moved into Burlington House, a part of “Imagine the Possibilities.” There she made her final residence while continuing to enjoy a full life with caring staff and new friends, as well as the support of her family members.
Cheri loved the “Iowa Hawkeyes” and dancing to Country Music. She liked to go shopping with her own money and took a liking of late to the Adult Coloring Books. For many years she participated in the Special Olympics, competing in the basketball shoot and softball throw, but her favorite part was the dance they held after. Holidays were a joy to her; being with family, no matter how many could make it, made her happy. Her birthday was a day she wouldn’t let anyone forget; instructing everyone “February 17, Pizza Ranch, cake and presents – be there!!”
Family was important to Cheri. Visiting her mother, Helen, she attended the Clearfield Methodist Church where she would always sit in the back by her brother who was usher. She was a special Aunt to eight nieces and nephews, seven great nieces and nephews. She never forgot a person’s name and most of her sibling’s birth dates.
Cheri passed away November 19, 2018 at the Iowa Methodist hospital in Des Moines, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daryl and Helen Lyddon.
Left to cherish Cheri’s memory are sisters: Cheryl Dee Schild of Grinnell and Janis Henderson, husband Jerry, of Lenox and brother, John Lyddon, wife, Karla, of Clearfield. Many nephews and nieces, Colin and wife, Sharon, Lyddon, Sydney and Tristen of Grimes, Chris Schild and daughter, Tatum, of Des Moines, Cory Schild of North Liberty, Clint Schild, wife, Keri, Luke and Chase of Tucson, AZ, Kelly Allee, husband, Eddie, EJ and Ashlynn of Diagonal, Aaron Lyddon, wife, Jolene, Cameron of Urbandale, Drew Henderson, wife, Mandy, Carter, Owen and Hope of Creston, Blaine Henderson of Grimes.
Cheri will be missed yet remain in our hearts always. Rest in Peace. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.armstrongfh.com.
Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield, IA.
Officiating was Pastor Karla Lyddon.
Songs were “One Day (When We All Get to Heaven)”. “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone), “In The Garden” and “Iowa Fight Song”.
Casketbearers were Chris Schild, Cory Schild, Clint Schild, Colin Lyddon, Kelly Allee, Aaron Lyddon, Drew Henderson and Blaine Henderson.
Burial was at the Clearfield Cemetery in Clearfield, IA.
Memorials will be in her name to be decided later.
