Vonda Claudine Maitlen Cheesman, 97, a lifelong resident of West Point passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at IU Health Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Claude and Bernice Marks Maitlen. She was born on a farm in Tippecanoe County near the Wabash River on February 22, 1926. She graduated from West Point High School and worked at Alcoa as a secretary. On October 26, 1947, she married John D “Jack” Cheesman. They were happily married 62 years before his death in 2010. Vonda and Jack joined his parents (Isaac and Laura Cheesman) in ownership and management of the West Point Telephone Company, Inc. The Cheesman Family operated the telephone company for 60 years. In addition, they were owners/operators of I.H. and J.D. Cheesman Electrical and Plumbing which is now in its 4th generation as Cheesman Inc.
Vonda saw many changes in her world during her lifetime and embraced them with determination to be a part of them. Technology did not detour her as she continued to work at her son’s company (Cheesman Inc) up until February 7, 2023 using computer accounting software. Probably the biggest change she experienced was in the telecommunication area. She saw the telephone advance from crank phones, to rotary dial phones, to touch tone phones, to today’s cellphones complete with telephone, camera, alarm, Internet access, and endless apps.
Although travels included Florida, Las Vegas, and Hawaii, the most enjoyable times were in West Point or the Lake Freeman lake house with her family. Ceramics, card games, and researching family history were some of her favorite hobbies. Attending grandchildren’s athletic events were true highlights for her and Jack. They always looked forward to travels for McCutcheon High School, Indiana University, Purdue University, Butler University and Trine University for matches and ball games where their grandchildren participated.
She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline (Gary) Kerkhoff and her son, Gary (companion Coralene “Corky” Byers) Cheesman. Her grandchildren include Jill Shambaugh, Kelli (Mike) Burton, Kristi (Jon) Kendall, Isaac (Amy) Cheesman and Kayla (Noah) Warren. Her great-grandchildren include John Shambaugh, Bailey & Jackson Burton, Emily & Josie Kendall, Ashlyn, Kaylyn, & Madalyn Cheesman, and Berkley & Daxton Warren. A brother, Bobby (Margaret) Maitlen and many loving nieces and nephews survive as well.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Claude & Bernice; her sister and brother-in-law, Margie & Jim Davis; and her sister and brother-in-law, Mildred & Ted Franklin.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at University Place, IU Health Hospital especially Cory in ER, Dr. Zhu and the staff on the 5th floor, and IU Health Hospice for their devoted care of our Mother during her last days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donating in the memory of Vonda to the West Point Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 71 West Point IN 47992) or the West Point United Methodist Church (PO Box 8 West Point IN 47992).
Visitation will be Saturday, April 8 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel 400 Twyckenham Blvd. followed by service at 1:00pm, Rev. Russ Alley officiating. Burial will be at the West Point Cemetery. You may leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com