Cheryl Jonita Karkheck

Cheryl Jonita Karkheck, 77, returned to her heavenly Father on October 29, 2023. Service of Death and Resurrection at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 with Reverend Jaime McGlothlin officiating. A reception will be held afterwards in the Fellowship Hall to visit with family.

Cheryl was born December 18, 1945 in Troy, New York to John George Mulholland and Charlotte (Sherry) Jean Palmer.  She grew up a “military brat” – living or passing through 48 states, Japan, and Canada by the time she was 18.  Cheryl entered nurses training directly after graduating from high school in 1963.  She graduated from nurses training in 1966 at the Royal Victoria Hospital School of Nursing, Montreal, QC, Canada.  Cheryl completed a six-month post-graduate course in neurology/neurosurgery from the Montreal Neurological Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.  She returned to the United States in 1975 with her son, Erik.  Cheryl and Erik settled in Benton, AR.  Ater Erik’s death in 1986, she moved to Arizona before returning to Texas, due to her father’s terminal illness. 

Cheryl worked in psychiatric nursing for 18 years and became a certified psychiatric nurse in 1990 and held this certification until 2005.  She received her BS in Health Arts in 1997 and her MS in Health Administration in 2000, graduating Magna Cum Laude.  Cheryl’s final nursing position was Assistant Director of Vocational Nursing at Vernon College – Wichita Falls, TX campus where she was able to give to others her love and knowledge of nursing.

Cheryl was a debate judge, a member of the Alumane Association of Sgt. Bluff-Luton High School, the Order of Eastern Star, Groesbeck Chapter 810, Groesbeck, TX, United Methodist Women-First United Methodist Church, Mexia, and Women’s Friday Club of Mexia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Erik Karkheck; brothers, John G. Mulholland, II and Harold Mulholland; and sister-in-law, Valorie Mulholland.

Cheryl is survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Mulholland, as well as five nieces, five nephews, and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to any Shrine Hospital.