Cheryl Powell, 69, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on February 16, 2026, at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Merriam, Kansas.
Born in La Mars, Iowa, Cheryl was raised in a Methodist household shaped by her father’s pastoral ministry. Faith remained an important thread throughout her life.
Known to her friends and children as Cheri, she devoted much of her life to family. She enjoyed reading and creative pursuits, including beading jewelry and scrapbooking.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Gentleman; her son, Nathan Gentleman; and her father, Donald Powell, along with extended family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bonnie Powell, and her younger brother, Ronald (Ron) Powell.
Services are pending and will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Olathe, Kansas.
A Note from Her Daughter
As life passes through holidays, work projects, and chores – the responsibilities kept growing. Each day I thought I could catch up in the next moment. Just one more minute, one more hour. Then the unexpected happens. A sharp and quick event that causes unexpected ripples followed by questions. What do I do? How do I communicate it?
Cheri was the mother of two. Two different relationships, two different capabilities, yet shared threads of personality and interests.
Like a pendulum, time passed and I saw the extremes in things. Some seasons we were closer; others held large gaps. Through love, strain, and parentification – she raised an independent daughter. A daughter shaped to be different, to stand alone, the one who solved problems. She raised a son who had different needs, teaching him to be loving and capable of seeing the good through smiles and humor. She was his person.
Despite the difficulties and differences, shared values took root – she taught us the importance of faith, community, and an understanding that family often extends beyond blood. In return, she saw her children carrying compassion and empathy into their work and the lives around us. Through her passing, I saw a commonality I had missed — something we did not fully share in person but that surfaced quietly in past conversations. We carry these values across multiple generations, reflected back in ways I only now recognize.
I extend special thanks for the unexpected symmetry found through step-siblings across both sides of the family, whose support shaped more than they may realize. Linda, Leah, and Brenna — thank you. And to our parents, families, caregivers, service providers, and the communities who offered support and care along the way: your presence and practical kindness make a difference in our lives.