Cheryl Ann Smith

Cheryl lived a vibrant and remarkable life defined by service, adventure, friendship, and an unwavering willingness to make the most of every day.

Cheryl was raised in DeWitt, Iowa, by her parents, Mary and Lester, alongside her brothers, Nick and Gene. After graduating from DeWitt High School in 1965, she attended Northeast Missouri State College, now known as Truman State University, where she studied nursing. Following graduation, Cheryl briefly returned to DeWitt and began her nursing career. In 1972, Cheryl answered a new calling when she joined the U.S. Air Force as a commissioned officer. After completing training, Cheryl began her first assignment at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara, California, now Vandenberg Space Force Base. It was during this time that she met and married Robert Smith, a fellow U.S. Air Force officer. Together, Cheryl and Robert raised four daughters: LeAndra, Leslie, Maranda, and Rebecca-lovingly and sometimes jokingly known as #1, #2, #3, and #4.

Cheryl was a dedicated military officer and nurse, serving with distinction for more than 23 years on active duty before retiring in 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her Air Force assignments took her and her family to Omaha, Nebraska; Misawa, Japan; San Antonio, Texas; Comiso, Sicily; Soesterberg, Netherlands; and Dayton, Ohio. Throughout her military career, she served in a variety of nursing and supervisory roles, bringing compassion, competence and dedication to every assignment.

After retirement, Cheryl began a second career enriching the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities at the F.F. Mueller Center in Springfield, Ohio. In 2002, after one too many winters and the loss of her husband, Robert, Cheryl decided to return to San Antonio, where she resumed working as a nurse at various hospitals.

Outside of work, Cheryl embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She traveled, learned to play the piano and ukulele, and re-engaged with Coker Methodist Church, where she enjoyed attending church and Sunday school, singing, volunteering, and building friendships. She also devoted time to various animal rescues and supported clubs and organizations that were close to her heart. Cheryl’s family also expanded with the marriage of Maranda and Eric and the birth of two beautiful grandchildren, Marley and Dylan.

Cheryl was a vibrant, eclectic soul who loved being outdoors, traveling, learning new things, and—most of all—making and nurturing relationships. One of the greatest testaments to the impact she had was the incredible number of friendships she cultivated throughout her life. Cheryl was the kind of friend who showed up. The whimsical neighbor who brought a little unexpected fun to everyday life. She might arrive wearing a colorful hat, invite you to lunch or a play, make a phone call, send a card, flock your yard with flamingos, attend book club, plan a trip, or talk about what adventure to plan next. Even if you met Cheryl only once, chances are she made an impression that stayed with you.

Cheryl approached each day with energy, humor, curiosity, and a sense of possibility. While she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her, the impact of her life will carry on in the people she touched. And when those who loved Cheryl need a reminder of how she lived, they need only remember a few of her favorite mottos: “Eat the frog”; “There are 24 hours in a day; it’s up to you how you use them”; “You don’t regret what you do; you regret what you don’t do”; and “Off like a herd of turtles.” Cheryl would undoubtedly encourage us all to keep moving, keep laughing, keep making memories, and—above all—keep showing up for one another.

Family and friends are invited to attend Cheryl’s Celebration of Life ceremony scheduled for 1000 a.m., on September 12, 2026, at Coker Methodist Church, 14630 Wurzbach Parkway, San Antonio. Dress in colorful or festive attire. Hats are optional but encouraged.

Cheryl will later be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Cheryl requested donations be made to the Animal Defense League, a cause close to her heart (https://www.pledge.to/paws-for-a-cause ). Cheryl also encouraged those who are able to consider donating blood or platelets to their local blood donation center.