Cheryl Dawn Thayn led a life defined by her love, fierce joy, devoted friendship, unshakeable faith, and service to her community. She left our world peacefully and surrounded by the love of her friends, family, children, and grandchildren on October 18, 2024.

Cheryl Thayn was born to Leon and Dixie Thayn on August 13, 1958 and was raised in  Wellington, Utah. She grew up working for her parent’s cattle operation where she cultivated a lifelong habit of hard work and caring for others. In high school, Cheryl was part of the cheerleading team, 4H, and was part of the Miss Teen Utah pageant, earning an honorable mention award for her essay. She was an excellent student who was dedicated to her family and faith, working in her parent’s meat packing plant and carefully studying her Bible before starting her homework.

A dedicated and loving mother, Cheryl’s home was always open to the friends her boys brought home, her nephews and nieces, and her church community. On Saturday mornings, she could usually be found feeding a small army of kids and watching Saturday morning cartoons with them. Her intellect and wit were sharp. She was detail-oriented, an avid reader, and careful note-taker. Even while raising a family, she pursued an Associate’s degree at the College of Eastern Utah and was licensed by the Christian & Missionary Alliance as a Christian Education Director. She had a passion for painting, creating scenes of Utah’s beauty and her family.

Cheryl’s spirit is one of determination, joy and playfulness. This made her a uniquely gifted educator. She believed Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Starting as a substitute Sunday School teacher at Price Chapel, she continued working in Christian education for more than 35 more years. She became director of Children’s Ministry in the 1990s and served on Price Chapel’s board. Known as “Miss Cheryl,” she led the effort to establish a “Kid’s Church” program and organized the church’s Vacation Bible School for more than twenty years. Her work with her faith community was a constant in her life, leading many Bible studies and prayer groups. She ministered to thousands of children and mentored a generation of Price Chapel’s congregation.

Service was one of Cheryl’s callings in life. She worked as the director of the United Way of Eastern Utah, organizing their efforts for the Angel Tree program, Soles 2 Soles, Live Love Local and the educational installations along the Price River Walkway. She was instrumental in organizing the “Music, Meals, and Mingle” events to promote small businesses along Price’s Main Street. Having spent her whole life as a part of the community in Carbon and Emery County, she was motivated to give back to the community and to lift others up. She married Stephen Cromer on April 24, 2021 and spent the last years of her life exploring the beauty of the American west together with him. Over these years, she painted dozens of scenes of their adventures.

Cheryl will also be remembered for her competitive spirit and love of playing sports, board games, or doing puzzles. Her less-well-known accomplishments include: Rocky Mountain Regional Dominion Champion, undefeated Kiahtipes-Thayn Ping-Pong Tournament Champion,  award for assembling the most difficult Christmas Puzzle, Group Chat Wordle Wizard, and number one pickleball draft pick for the Westwood Pickleball League.

Cheryl Dawn Thayn is survived by her husband, Stephen Cromer; three sons, Nicholas Kiahtipes, Luke Kiahtipes, and Christopher Kiahtipes; six grandchildren, November Kiahtipes, Emma Ori, Leon Kiahtipes, Gus Kiahtipes, Eleanor Neil, and Juniper Neil; and her pesky, but lovable cat Hades.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dixie and Leon Thayn.

A celebration of life service will be Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Price Chapel (611 W Price River Drive, Price UT 84501) where guests will be received starting one hour prior to service. In lieu with Cheryl’s wishes, the family asks that instead of flowers, donations in Cheryl’s name be made to the United Way of Eastern Utah.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where family and friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Cheryl online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net