Cheryl Diane Hardman was born in January, 1951. As a brand new baby, she received a blessing by the hand of her father while he was on military training leave, then she didn’t see him again for 16 months while he served overseas for his country. She grew up a bright child. At the age of 3, Knowing that her baby brother loved bananas, Cheryl turned again to the hand of her carpenter dad and said in all seriousness, “Daddy, would you bring home some wood to make a banana tree?” As she grew, Cheryl did what most children did; she rode bikes, got cuts, had stitches, took music lessons, entered science projects and won awards. When older with 5 younger siblings, Cheryl politely told her parents that 6A students, especially the girls, “do not ride their bikes to school anymore. They are too old for that.” As a teen, Cheryl didn’t need to be reminded of homework. She enjoyed classes like  typing, seminary, history, English, Spanish, science, and algebra. She even made some of her own clothes. Her favorite TV shows were, The Mouse-ka-teers, and Bonanza. With high hopes, her parents looked forward to great things in life for her. In 1969, fulfilling her college dream, Cheryl slowly developed debilitating symptoms from a disease whose diagnosis evaded doctors until Cheryl could not walk or talk; death was at the door. That year, as mankind overcame great odds and put a man on the moon, Cheryl desperately struggled and with the help of prayers, family, and many doctors, overcame the disease. She finished college, became a teacher, served others with handicaps, married, and raised a great family, thereby touching mankind for good. Thanks Cheryl, you are a great sister.

(by Ken Hardman, with details from the writings of Dorothy Griffin Hardman) #AncestorClips

Inherited Traits – Cheryl is my oldest sister. We grew up in a happy family inheriting a cheerful outlook from our parents. I have a special inherited connection with Cheryl and the courage with which our parents helped her fight disease, and the determination with which she battled and overcame that disease has been a life long strength to me.

Patterns of Goodness – As I reflect on Cheryl’s life, I realize that she had many patterns of goodness. She taught in several schools including schools for handicapped children. She was a loving and good mother. During the first months of my LDS mission away from home, Cheryl and her good husband Steve suggested they go with mom and dad regularly to the temple, another act of service. I needed their prayers and those blessings as a young missionary. I need to be more like Cheryl and write letters regularly to people to lift and strengthen them. I will always look up to my sister. What are your memories of Cheryl?