Cheryl Lynn Isom
Cheryl Lynn Isom, 58, Rochester was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away Thursday morning, June 20, 2019. This followed a fierce and valiant battle with COPD.
In Valparaiso, on Oct. 16, 1960, Cheryl Lynn Starkey was born. She was a treasured daughter of Donald Richard and Leona Marie Sensibaugh Starkey. Growing up as the forth born of the Starkey kids, Cheryl shared her childhood with two sisters and two brothers. As an accomplished equestrian, she proudly rode Ginger. Many times she’d pack a picnic and ride for a few hours, returning home from a great day of adventure. Cheryl graduated from Argos High School with the class of 1978.
On May 31, 1980, Cheryl married the love of her life, Mr. Donald Earl Isom Jr., in Argos. They shared over 39 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two wonderful children, Brandon and Wendy. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of four beautiful grandchildren.
With a forte for customer service, Cheryl worked at the Culver Cove, Margarita’s and Christo’s Banquet Center. She is remembered for her warm smile, twinkling eyes and always delivering the best timely service to all she served.
At home, the backyard was a sanctuary for the wildlife that visited. Cheryl had a special fondness for bird watching, especially the hummingbird. Annually, she led the family with the planting, maintenance and harvest of their truck patch garden. In the earlier years, Cheryl looked forward to Harley rides with Don. Occasionally Daisy would accompany them too. There was nothing better that the feeling of freedom and the warm breeze.
The center of Cheryl’s life was her family. Embracing the outdoors, many memories were made at the Rising Sun Campground, relaxing by the open fire under the starlit summer skies. They all loved the adventure of float trips down the Tippecanoe River during all of the seasons. Many times Cheryl was armed with her casting rod ready to reel in the catch of the day.
From her kitchen command post, Cheryl, loved to cook, bake and create for her family. She is best remembered for her delectable peanut butter pie. The holidays brought on the annual baking of the special Christmas cookies like bon-bons and thumbprint cookies. To end the day there was nothing better than a spirited game of Aggravation with Grandma, as she always played to win.
Left to cherish Cheryl’s memory are her husband, Don E. Isom Jr.; a daughter, Wendy Stone and husband Jonathan, all of Rochester; a son, Brandon Isom and wife Rachel, Denham; four grandchildren: the 16-year-old twins Daniel Isom and Dakota Isom, 11-year-old Ethan Isom and 7-year-old Abigail Isom; two sisters, Donna Crum and husband Richard, Argos, Debra Krieg and husband Mike, Indianapolis; a brother, Michael Starkey and wife Cindy, Argos; her two canine companions Daisy and Odie; and her loving grand-dogs.
Preceding Cheryl in death are her parents, Don and Leona Starkey, and her brother Jeff Starkey in March of 2016.
A celebration of the life of Cheryl Lynn Isom will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019 in the Good family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with her family from 2 p.m. until the hour of the services. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 112 S. Center St. C, Plymouth, IN 46563.