Cheryl Jeffrey was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt who loved life and family. She shared her graciousness with others and lived according to her faith.

Cheryl was born in Ada, the daughter of Ebert and Stella (Gunderson) Sheppard. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. Cheryl grew up with her parents and sister in northern Minnesota and developed an appreciation for her Scandinavian heritage. She loved lefse and made all the traditional Norwegian delicacies. Cheryl loved putting a smile on the faces of her grandchildren by baking and cooking special treats and by spending time together.

Cheryl was also very business-minded and was successful in this endeavor. She was united in marriage to John Jeffrey in Albert Lea 25 years ago. Together they enjoyed work, life, love and family. More recently they lived in Florida as snowbirds and eventually moved to Arizona to be near family full time.

On Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, Cheryl passed away in Phoenix at the age of 72. She was supported and surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her husband, John Jeffrey, of Arizona and their children  Lance (Ana) Hoffman of Arizona, Dan (Trish) Hoffman of Minnesota, Angela (Casey) Orlowski of Arizona, Jackie Jeffrey (daughter-in-law) of Minnesota, Julie Jeffrey of South Dakota and Max (Janece) Jeffrey of Albert Lea. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, Alicia, Amanda, Andrea, Tony, Zachary, Carmen, David Jr., Michelle, Amy, Solia, Anna, Taya and Reece; and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Shirley Von Rueden, of Arizona and their children Greg Von Rueden of Arizona and Brad (Aracelis) Von Rueden of Arizona; and great-niece and nephew Vanessa and Stefan, as well as their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ebert and Stella Sheppard; brother-in-law, Robert Von Rueden; and son, David Jeffrey.

Services and a celebration of life ceremony will take place in Albert Lea this summer. Blessed be the memory of Cheryl.