Cheryl Ann Staske (Newsome), 68, a long-term resident of Urbana, Illinois, passed away
Wednesday, July 5, 2023. She was at her place of residence in Urbana, Illinois surrounded by
her loving family. She was born February 13, 1956, in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Orville Johnson
and Hilda M. Newsome (Robbins); preceding Cheryl in death: her mother, Hilda M. Newsome
(Illinois); sisters Jennifer C. Pence (Oregon) and Barbara L. Greenarch (Illinois); and nephew,
John S. Boatright Jr. (Illinois).
Cheryl retired in July of 2022 from Carle Foundation Hospital after 50 years of service in
multiple positions throughout the years. Her last position was Director of Patient Access at Carle
for Carle Foundation Hospital.
Cheryl was considered the Cinderella story of Carle Foundation Hospital; her first position
began in Environmental Services as a housekeeper at the age of 16 years old. She attended
and graduated from Urbana High School. (Illinois). She received her Bachelors of Science in
Organizational Development from Eastern Illinois University (Illinois). Cheryl then educated
herself with a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from at the University of Saint
Frances College (Illinois).
Cheryl volunteered for many organizations: President of the Champaign County Kiwanis
chapter, multiple years with March of Dimes of Champaign County, she organized several
American Cancer Society walks of Champaign County, and she was involved in community-
based actives at Carle.
Cheryl had many interests in her life; she loved the holidays, decoration, cooking, and always
surrounded herself with her loving family. She loved working in the yard planting flowers, and
sharing all her new recipes with her loved ones.
Always with open arms and an amazing spirit, Cheryl shared her home filled with food, warmth,
and love for her family and friends. She enjoyed large get-togethers, playing all her favorite
music, dancing for hours, and being surrounded by laughter and love.
Her son, Colin Anthony Staske, The Love of her life followed in his mother’s footsteps, He
received his Bachelor’s degree of Political Science from the University of Illinois and his
Master’s Degree of Public Administration from the University at Springfield Illinois.
Surviving are her beloved son, Colin Staske (Illinois); sisters – Gail L. Kessie (California), Susan
L. Reid (Oregon), Pamela R. Boatright (Illinois), Debora J. Newsome (Illinois) & Judith K. Sexton
(Illinois) – with whom she was very close, three nieces, nine nephews, twelve great-nieces, and
eight great-nephews.
A Celebration of Cheryl’s Life will be announced at a later date.