In elementary school, when Cherie’s blonde pigtails were dipped in the desk inkwell behind her little did she know she would eventually marry the mischievous boy whose actions forced her grandmother to trim her hair.
Yet, that’s how she and her first husband came into contact.
They were married forty-five years and adopted two children: a girl, now a retired school principal, and a son who lives in Hayes. Family photos of her Cherokee grandmother and six grandchildren are displayed in the home, each with associated stories that Cherie proudly narrates.
When her husband’s kidney disease required surgical intervention, her donation was the second non-related donor transplant at that time. However, the disease prevailed, and Cherie’s strong family relations and friends stepped up to soften the disturbance of loss and change.
Orval Yoder, like Cherie was raised in Kansas; in fact, Yoder Kansas was officially named for his family when the Missouri and Pacific Railroad gained rights to run through the city. Orval fulfilled his military service by working in a Denver, Colorado hospital for two years since he was classified to be exempt from bearing arms; eventually retiring and returned to Kansas.
He and his first wife were parents of three children and now counts six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren on his branch of the family tree. After his divorce, friends kept encouraging him to start dating.
He noticed Cherie at the church and social events they both attended, and stated he’d consider marrying “if [he] could find a lady like her (Cherie).” Their relationship deepened one Sunday when Cherie and her brother-in-law (who was feeling “unsafe” to himself) were joined in worship by Orval who helped to reassure, calm, and relax him.
Together, Orval and Cherie not only share Mennonite/Amish traditions but they both enjoy collecting and antiquing.
Cherie’s mother gifted her a stained glass “Tiffany/mission style” lamp, the first in many adding color and beauty to the home. Her collecting has also expanded into vintage jewelry.
Orval’s penchant for collecting all sorts of signs is abundantly evident in the garage.
Together, Orval and Cherie have been able to handle the loss of loved ones and the associated upset with strong, enduring support from their large extended family and friends.