Dawn was born in Ft Wayne, Indiana, but was raised in Florida. She was definitely a Florida baby. She met Rick in summer of 1992. He put a hot water heater in Dawn's apartment; things went from there. They got married on 7/7/1998 in Boyton Beach, FL. They spent the day sight seeing in Palm Beach; ending their day at the Jupiter lighthouse, exposing or instigating a love affair with lighthouses. Then dinner and a movie "Armageddon". (Perhaps a preview of things to come lol).
In 2003, they moved north to Ohio to be with family. Dawn and her children became a vibrant part of the Cherry family. Her cooking won the hearts of all, her attitude captured most.
Dawn had a variety of jobs, her career as a bus driver was her favorite. 65 unruly passengers, twice a day, was her domain. She ruled like a lion but was concerned with other peoples' children like a mama bear with her cubs. With a second loved job being a homecare health aid for CareMinders, some of her clients became family.
With Dawn you never had to wonder what she was thinking, she had no filter. Usually what she thought, you heard except when she was talking to mom cherry, with her she developed a filter, she adored her children. She put them first in all her decisions. You may question her methods but her motives were pure. That continued with her grandsons.
She always had an intention to be kind didn't always come out like that but she was always honest. She always always gave what she had, even if it was her opinion, always offered to help before being asked to, and would give her shirt off her back if needed.
Preceded in death by her mother, Shirley that she never met, finally be able to; her beloved son, Timothy Ryan; her baby brother, Rodney Heater; Uncle Gayle and Aunt Barb. She was loved as a wife, daughter, mother, nana, and sister by Rick, Corey, Sierra, Justin, Caden, Xavier, Liam and Gavin. Her parents, Mike and Therese Cherry, and her extraordinary siblings, in-laws and co-conspirators (nieces and nephews).
This year got especially rough. God took her from us 3 times this year. Gave her back twice, a slightly diminished version of her both times. We are all grateful for the memories of the trip to FL so we could get reunited with Corey on Dawn and Rick's 25th anniversary. Her struggles ended surrounded by loved ones. Complete with all the bells and whistles. As she deserved. Until we meet again.
You may stream the service by clicking
here.
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