Cheryl (Grider) Bunton

She was surrounded by her husband Gary and sons Ryan and Grant. With that same grace she courageously battled cancer over many years. She met this challenge straight ahead and fought long and hard with a beautiful bravery and never once gave in. This journey was shared with Gary who dedicated himself every day to loving, caring and protecting her. Although a heartbreaking road to travel, it brought an even deeper love and devotion between them. Their life together was an extraordinary love story.

To say goodbye on earth to this beautiful soul is to also embrace the beautiful life she is celebrating at this very moment. A life that God promised her and is beyond anything we can imagine. This gives us great peace. We all loved her with a love beyond measure but it cannot compare to the love, peace and joy she is experiencing now.

She is survived by her husband Gary Bunton, sons Ryan (Ann) and Grant ( Erica), her five adored grandchildren, Garrett, Lila, Sally, Lola and Beck, nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Glodeen (Frazier) Grider, and her brothers, Kim and Greg Grider.

Cheryl was born January 25, 1950 in North Kansas City Missouri. Her early years were filled with much love and much excitement growing up in the family restaurant, Jim G’s in North Kansas City. Oak Park High School class of ‘68 enriched her life with dear friends that are close to this day. Cheerleading, Pi Phi Sorority, and meeting the love of her life stamped Mizzou on her heart forever. Marrying and raising their two incredible boys seemed to be so easy for her and it was a job well done! She attended, with passion, all of their sports activities and was their biggest fan! She especially loved the road trips! She adored her boys.

Lifelong neighborhood friends, Young Matrons, bridge and more bridge gave her immense joy. Her annual Christmas cookie exchange was unsurpassed, sun bathing on the deck with a Diet Coke and a good book and watching her little boys swim at the neighborhood pool were her joy.

She was generous with her time and talents and was gifted with a spirited yet gentle soul. She had a beautiful quiet faith and it carried her through life.

She taught 4 years in the Raytown school district. Cheryl was beautiful inside and out and loved to surround herself with beautiful things, her home was beautiful and welcoming, and her taste was impeccable. An immeasurable joy was sitting side by side with her best friend and partner for over 50 years, just watching tv; her favorites being the Royals, Chiefs and the Hallmark Channel.

Cheryl spent several years working with Gary in his dental practice navigating dental insurance and being adored by patients.

Watching her 5 little grandchildren, who called her Bebe, play, grow and prosper was her greatest joy and filled her with happiness.

It goes without saying we wish we could have had her longer and she’ll be so terribly missed, but our comfort and joy rests in knowing her life was made so full and rich by everyone who loved her. Thank you to friends, immeasurable, who loved her. Her precious family who adored her and thank you to God for taking her safely Home.

There will be a private family graveside service and a Celebration of Life at a later date as Covid permits.

A heartfelt thank you to Kansas City Hospice for the loving care given to her at the end of her journey. Donations may be made to Johnson County Young Matrons, 7702 Mize Road, Shawnee, Kansas 66227 or online at [email protected]. Or the Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64145 or online at KCHospice.org. See clickable links below.