Cheryl Jane Wasson

We regretfully announce that Cheryl Jane Wasson, age 71, of Houston, Texas passed away unexpectedly from a stroke and related complications Tuesday evening, November 8, 2022. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Cheryl was born March 12, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa, to hardworking nature-lovers Charles and Elizabeth Hilliard. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1969, later attending The American School of Beauty, following in her sister Mary Jo King’s footsteps.

In 1988, Steven “Woody” Wasson and Cheryl married. They lived in West Des Moines and enjoyed life with their three children. Weekends boating at Lake Panorama, summer vacations to Colorado, and enjoying meals on their patio. At the time, Cheryl was an interior designer and was loved by her clients. In 2008 Woody and Cheryl opened the award-winning Woody’s Smoke Shack BBQ restaurant on Cottage Grove. She adored her customers and staff and loved preparing meals for people, family included.

In 2016, Woody and Cheryl moved to Houston, Texas, where Cheryl began her last career as the best Fun Grandma and childcare provider for her three granddaughters. She was an extraordinary Grandma to all her grandchildren.

Cheryl always had a passion for two things: home decorating and making food for others. Her family often jokes about her (frequent and unsolicited) moving of furniture in family homes and conversations about what recipe she was making.

Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Steve “Woody”, children Austin Allen (Alecia), Amy Allen-Schuett (Rob Schuett), and Angela Smith (Brian), her sister Pat Grubb, 11 grandchildren, 23 nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and Tessy her beloved Australian Shepherd dog. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Jo King, brother Charles Hilliard, and nephew Craig King.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 17, from 5-7 pm at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Friday, November 18, at Lutheran Church of Hope (925 Jordan Creek Pkwy., West Des Moines). Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. A dessert reception will be held following the burial at McLaren’s.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 22, from 5-7 pm at Lakeside United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to an animal rescue of your choice or Lutheran Church of Hope in Iowa or Lakeside United Methodist Church in Texas.

Cheryl, you will always be in our hearts, and we will never forget you. We love you so much. Rest in peace.