Cheryl R. Varble (Loudenslager) died peacefully Friday, May 8th after a short battle with cancer. She was 76 years old.

Cheryl lived many lives in one beautiful lifetime; from the sunshine of Florida to the mountains of Colorado, eventually finding her way back home to Clarence. Along the way there were stops, stories, and spontaneous detours, though no one could ever quite keep track of them all. She carried a free spirit wherever she went; a little bit hippie, deeply independent, and completely herself.

At the center of Cheryl’s life was her husband James, the love of her life and her greatest adventure partner. Did they get arrested on a yacht together? No, but almost. Their love was easy to see in the way they laughed together, danced in the kitchen, and traveled hand in hand. They showed their family what a strong marriage could look like, full of friendship, respect, and joy. Whether they were spending months exploring Australia and Puerto Rico, or on an adventure in the Jeep to find the latest ice cream stand, Cheryl and James truly enjoyed life.

More than anything, Cheryl was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother to four girls who grew into courageous women, a reflection of the strength and confidence she worked so hard to instill in them. Long before it was common, Cheryl taught her daughters that they could do ANYTHING. She wanted them to be independent and capable. And should they find love, she wanted them to enter as whole and complete people. She was the glue of her extended family, tending family relationships to keep everyone connected. 

Fierce in the way only a mother can be, Cheryl protected the people she loved and stood up for anyone who needed someone in their corner. She had a remarkable ability to see the good in people even when they could not see it in themselves; so many loved her because she made them feel valued and understood.

That same spirit carried into everything she did. She was a Girl Scout troop leader, championing encampments, trips, and cookie sales, and teaching countless skills that helped young girls build confidence. Serving others was simply part of who she was; she led Vacation Bible school at Zion, volunteered at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, sold flowers for Buffalo Hospice, and sewed T-shirt bears for patients’ comfort. A girl’s-girl, building female relationships was her superpower. She always had time for coffee, shopping, laughing/tea, or a phone call.

Those close to her called her Mother Nature because of her gift connecting with deer, birds, and foxes that wandered through her yard, caring for them almost as if they were part of the family. She found so much joy in watching them gather and flourish around her, creating a home that felt warm and welcoming to every creature who entered it.

Beloved wife of the late James Varble; Devoted mother of Michelle Varble, Kimberly (Tom) Duehring; Deanna (Matt Bielewicz) Varble, and Jaime (Jarrett) Boyes; Loving grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; Dear sister to Winifred (late Frank) Antalek, Daniel (Cheryl) Loudenslager, and Joyce (Donald) Buchholtz; Soul-sister to Paula Enstice (Nee Coleman); also survived by nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins. Relatives & friends are invited to a memorial service at Zion Lutheran Church, 9535 Clarence Center Rd. Clarence Center, NY 14032 on Thursday, May 28th at 11am. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation in memory of Cheryl Varble be made to Buffalo Hospice, whose workers were dedicated, loving caretakers to her and her family.