Cheryl Rae (Ebel) Walters

“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come.

T’was grace that led me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

“Amazing Grace” - John Newton (1779)

Cheryl "Cherrie" Rae Ebel was born to Robert William and Mildred Nafé Ebel in Lewiston, Idaho on June 14, 1946.

Cherrie went to be with her Savior at the age of 73 on July 18, 2019 at 8:55pm. She died of heart failure complications at Highline Medical Center in Burien, Washington.

Cherrie is survived by sisters Deanna “Deanie” Malcom, Bobette Ruddell (Ron) and Meg Glasgow (Steve) and her brother Jeff Ebel (Barb).  Other family members are her sister Yvonne "Ewee" Stickler (deceased), stepmother Patricia Ann Ebel (deceased), stepbrother Michael Kinmounth (Sherrie), and stepsisters Mary Kay Lafrenz (Chuck) and Deborah Ann Krueger (deceased).

Above all, Cherrie was a loving and dedicated Mother to her 4 children who love and miss her beyond words:  Valerie Nafé (John Baldwin), Corrie Walters (Will Diefenbach), Tara McCrum (Erin), and Vincent "Vinnie" Walters (Mary). Cherrie was also 'Grammie' to 7 cherished grandchildren: Jack and Samantha (Corrie), Ethan and Silas (Tara), and Michaela Rae, Katherine, and Isaac (Vinnie).

Cherrie graduated from Lewiston High School in 1964.  She married Lawrence Walters, a career Marine, in April of 1966.  Cherrie was a military wife for over 20 years and made a home on several military bases in Hawaii, Arizona and California.  In the early 1980s, Cherrie and her family moved to Spokane, Washington, after Lawrence retired from the military.

After her divorce in 1988, Cherrie continued to live in Spokane for a few years where she attended art classes, and she worked various jobs including at a community center, a child-care center, and a retail collectibles shop.  She also conducted her own business as a home decorator for a while.

Cherrie was a very talented artist, creating beautiful works in watercolor, oil and acrylic paints, charcoal, pencil, fabric, homemade paper, embroidery, dried flowers, and more.  Her works of art will live on and be treasured by many.

Later in her life, she made her home in Des Moines, WA, near Seattle where she lived until the time of her passing.  During these years she lived a quiet life with her beloved cat "Blue," working on art projects, enjoying friendships, attending Bible studies and church, and spending time with family.

Cherrie's life was defined by her unwavering faith despite life's challenges. She found great peace and joy in her relationship with Jesus, listening to worship music, and reading her Bible.

Cherrie enjoyed a life-long love of nature and generously shared this love with her children.  Her wish is to be cremated and her remains laid to rest on the Lochsa and Selway Rivers in Idaho, near the cabin built by her father.  She will be remembered always among the wildflowers, forest trails, thunderstorms, river rapids, singing birds, gentle mountain breezes, and the smell of pine trees.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Cherrie's life during the Summer of 2020.

Cherrie rests now in the arms of her Savior.

Rest in Sweet Peace. We love you.

O Lord my God,

When I in awesome wonder; Consider all

The works Thy Hand hath made.

I see the stars,

I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow'r throughout

The universe displayed,

When through the woods

And forest glades I wander

I hear the birds, Sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down

From lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze;

Then sings my soul,

My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul,

My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come

With shouts of acclamation

And take me home

What joy shall fill my heart!

"How Great Thou Art" - Carl Boberg (1885)