Cheryl Elaine (Reece) Squires

February 05, 1951 - January 08, 2016

Cheryl Elaine (Reece) Squires Obituary (Age 64) Cheryl, of Spokane Valley passed away from pancreatic cancer on Friday, January 8, 2016. Cheryl was born in Tekoa, WA, on February 5, 1951, to Gerri (Sills) and Victor Reece. Her early years were spent in Spokane, but she moved to Kennewick in 1963. Cheryl graduated from Kennewick High School in 1969. She earned her BA in 1972 from Eastern Washington University and her Master?s Degree from Whitworth University in Spokane. Cheryl taught kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades at Deer Park Elementary for 30 years, touching the lives of so many children and fellow teachers. She was a very talented teacher who made sure each child in her classroom felt successful and worthwhile each and every day. Cheryl had a variety of interests. She was an avid walker, participating in 32 Bloomsday Races, 4 half-marathons, many special fundraiser walks, and really enjoyed walks along the Centennial Trail in Spokane. Cheryl was a passionate reader and was a member of a monthly book club with teacher friends. She was gifted at creating and telling stories. She also enjoyed gardening, decorating her home and loved shopping. When it came to politics, Cheryl was very knowledgeable and loved a good discussion. One of her very favorite things was spending time with all her grandchildren, and they with her. For example, it was not unusual to be visiting Cheryl when there?d be a little knock on the door, and Adelynn would be there to have cocoa with Grandma Cheryl. Cheryl experienced some wonderful trips with friends. She traveled to places such as Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Hawaii, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, to name some favorites. She also enjoyed many trips to the ocean. Her last trip was to Cannon Beach with Bill, Vickie and John in September. Cheryl had many roads left to travel. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents Gerri Jackson and Victor Reece, and her brothers Steven and Gregory Reece. Cheryl is survived by her husband (and long-time best friend) Bill Squires, Spokane; sister Vickie (John) Foltz, Kennewick; sons Corey (Tiffany) Smith, Bellevue; Joel (Maureen) Smith, North Bend; step-daughter Kerri (Justin) Anderson, Spokane Valley; and step-son Tim (Cyn) Squires, Spokane Valley: 7 grandchildren: Jessie Smith (North Bend), Cruz and Jagger Smith (Bellevue), Adelynn, Quinn and Kinsley Anderson (Spokane Valley), and Mia and Murdoch (North Bend). Cheryl was a very beloved ?Auntie Sis? to her nieces Yvonne (Raul) Rodriguez, Tiffany Knudson, and nephew Ken (Cindy) Knudson (all Tri-Cities) and to numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition, she leaves behind many aunts and uncles. Cheryl is also survived by 4 special friends: Alanna Tullis Troutt (Spokane), Becky Mansfield Wedberg (Kennewick), Connie Sutten Burns (Kansas), and Keith Smith (Spokane). Lastly, Cheryl is survived by her special furry, feline friend Thomas O?Malley (aka Tommy). A Celebration of Life is scheduled at 4:00 pm, Friday, January 15, at Heritage Funeral Home. Contributions in Cheryl?s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Deer Park Elementary School.