Cheryl “Cheri” Lea Roden, 74 of Lafayette, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at Franciscan Health East.
She was born October 3, 1949, in Rockford IL, to the late William and Ruth Neblock Hayenga.
Cheri attended Hononegah High School and Lafayette Beauty Academy.
On October 6th, 1973, she married the love of her life, Roderick Lee Roden Sr., in Lafayette. They would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary next month.
Cheri worked as a beautician for 55 years. She did hair in her home and owned the CR Finishing Touch (Attica, IN) and Aruba Tan (Lafayette, IN).
She was a member of the VFW, the Eagles, and the American Legion.
Cheri enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cheating them on Candyland, and taking all their money in Poker any chance she could. She loved fiercely, was an amazing cook, and the candy jar was never empty. Cheri enjoyed being on the beach and soaking up the sun, especially if there was a cold beer in her hand.
She fought a battle that she was unable to win. However, she did things her way, from making Rick wait hours while she got dolled up, to making sure that Rick always opened every door for her. Cheri took pride in her appearance and loved being fancy. She even had her nails done, in her signature color, during her final hours at the hospital.
Surviving are her children: Ruthie Fields (Derek), Robyn Krueger (Nate), and Daniel Roden (Tammy). Her pride and joy, her grandchildren: Connor Roden (Lindsay), Bailey Mason (Justin), Ryley Roden, Chayton Krueger (Zeke), Rhys Krueger, Avery Roden and Taylor Roden; great grandchildren: Abel and Madelyn Roden, Nova, Miraella, and Harper Thomas. Also surviving are her brother Daniel S. Hayenga (Linda) and sister Ruth A. Welcher (Tom).
Cheri was preceded in death by her son, Roderick L. Roden Jr. and siblings: Maryangela “Tammy” Hayenga, Kathy Rogers, Michael S. Hayenga, Gene W. Hayenga, William Hayenga Jr., and her nephew David Bechner.
Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN.
Service will be at 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Eagles Aerie #347 of Lafayette.