Cheryl "Cher" Diane Smith

Cheryl "Cher" Smith, age 77, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Cher was born in Tacoma, Washington, and was adopted at just six days old by Clarence and Wilma (aka Billy) of Seattle, Washington. She often spoke with gratitude about the loving home they provided and the values of kindness, compassion, and hard work that shaped her life. She learned the joy of giving and caring from her mom throughout her entire life.

She graduated from Ingraham High School in Seattle in 1967, proudly cheering, "Go Rams!" and singing the Fight Song! One year later, she married Jerry Smith. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage. She built a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Jerry and Cher made their home in Kirkland, Washington, where they raised their two children and welcomed countless beloved family pets over the years. Cher worked as an Export Specialist for Physio-Control, where she was respected not only for her professionalism but also for her wonderful sense of humor, infectious laugh, generosity, and kind heart.

While Cher enjoyed many things in life, nothing mattered more to her than her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was simply being with the people she loved. Whether it was family gatherings, holidays, camping trips, or quiet afternoons together, she made every moment special. Her home was always open, her heart was always full, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate the people she loved.

Cher shared a passion for hunting, fishing, and traveling in their fifth-wheel trailer, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Following retirement, she and Jerry built their dream home in Chelan, Washington, where family became an even bigger part of everyday life. It became a running family joke that their grandson "wintered in Cle Elum" and "summered in Chelan." Summer days at Grandma's house were simply the best and created cherished memories that will live on forever. The next adventure was to relocate to Idaho. Cher made many friends that cared for her deeply. She enjoyed the years in Idaho greatly.

Cher never knew a stranger. She was the type of person who would help anyone in need, whether they were a lifelong friend, a neighbor, or someone she had just met. Her kindness was genuine, selfless, and limitless. If someone needed a hand, a listening ear, a place to stay, or simply a little encouragement, Cher was there without hesitation. Her generosity touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of compassion that will continue through all who knew her.

One of Cher's greatest passions was singing karaoke. Her enthusiasm, laughter, and willingness to jump up and sing brought joy to everyone around her. Whether she was traveling, spending time

with family, or singing one of her favorite songs, she embraced life wholeheartedly and encouraged others to do the same. One of her best friends, Rosie, has recently said, “Cher Did It Her Way”!

Cher is survived by her husband, Jerry; her daughter, Tina; son-in-law, David; grandson, Dustin; granddaughter-in-law, Tajen; many loving friends; and the newest and perhaps greatest joy of her life, her great-grandson, Daniel.

She was preceded in death by both parents, Clarence and Billy, and her beloved son, Dean, whom she carried in her heart every day.

The family will honor Cher's final wishes with a personal and intimate celebration of life to be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Cheryl's memory by simply "paying it forward" for someone in need, because that is exactly what she did each and every day! Donations may also be made to the American Heart Association or to organizations that support research for leukemia and bipolar depression, causes that were close to her heart.

Cher's life was defined by love. Love for her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandson, her friends, and even complete strangers. Her kindness, laughter, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.