Cheryl Cherrie Ann Burns Leach

Cheryl Ann Leach (Cherrie) passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on April 11, 2011. She was reunited with her husband, the love of her life, Ray Leach exactly Six months to the day after his death.

Cherrie was born on February 18, 1956 in Yakima, Washington to Harry and Saba Burns. Cherrie attended school in Parker and Wapato. She resided most of her life in the Parker, Wapato area.

Cherrie married Ray Leach on December 1, 1972 in Wapato, Washington. Cherrie and Ray would have celebrated their 38th Wedding anniversary last December. From this marriage Cherrie and Ray has two wonderful children, their son Tony and daughter Vicky. She also has a special daughter in law, Jennifer and two amazing grandchildren Kassie and Gavin. Cherrie was a devoted wife, mother, nana, sister and auntie. Family was the most important thing in Cherrie’s life. She devoted most of her adult life caring for her children, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Cherrie worked part time for several warehouses over the years, but her main focus was her family. During the mid 1980’s Cherrie cared for her mother until her death in 1986. Cherrie was a very giving person, not only to her immediate family, but to other family members as well. She had an open heart to those less fortunate or those who needed help or a home. She also loved her animals and tried to feed many stray animals that seemed to find their way to her home. Cherrie loved to dance, sing karaoke and play darts. She enjoyed fishing as long as she did not have to put the worm on the hook. In her later years she enjoyed going to the local casinos, but Reno was still her favorite. Cherrie liked going to the antique stores trying to add to her extensive salt and pepper shaker collection. She enjoyed all the holidays, especially Christmas; making the big dinners and making sure everyone was spoiled with gifts.

Cherrie is survived, her son Tony (Jennifer), her daughter Vicky (Tim), and her grandchildren Kassie and Gavin. She is also survived by her sisters

Jeannie (Al) Goulet, Susie (Jim) Laurent, nieces and nephews, Greg, Steve, Cathy, Bryan and their families. She is also survived by Ray’s brother Clarence (Davina) Leach, former sister-in-law Mary Leach, nieces and nephews, Maryann, Stephanie, Kenny, Megan, Kyle, Levi and their families, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Also by her little companions, her dogs Roxie and baby Willow.

Cherrie was preceded in death by her husband Ray Leach, her parents Harry and Saba Burns, brothers, JR, and Dick Burns, nephew Mark, father and mothers in law Kenneth, Alice and Marion Leach

Cherrie was the best mother to her children. The most devoted grandmother to her grandchildren and the greatest little sister in the whole world. We will love and miss you always.

Viewing will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday April 14, 2010 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday April 15, 2011 a Merritt Funeral Home, followed by burial in the Reservation Community Memorial Park, Wapato. Merritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory, please visit www.MeM.com .