Cheryle Lee (Smock) Slagle, 76 (born August 18, 1947), of Rapid City, SD, peacefully passed away on the morning of May 25, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV. She was comforted by loved ones that serene morning when the angels took her hand and guided her home.
More than anything, Cheryle lived a delightful life as a wonderful wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also a loyal friend to many. Until her health condition made it impossible, she was a bookkeeper for the family business, John Slagle Trucking. She enjoyed cooking on occasion (although she preferred, In-N-Out), loved her Monte Carlo and ’57 Chevy, enjoyed bingo nights from time to time, was an avid reader of fiction novels, radiated in the color purple, lived & breathed the music of Elvis, adored both her horses “Scout” and “Dooley”, and cherished spending time with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She was a competitive bowler for many years which later awarded her with an induction into the 2008 RC USBC Hall of Fame for superior performance. Her hands were an instrument of grace and that green thumb led her to work for several local greenhouses.
Cheryle was funny and vivacious. She will forever be remembered for her tenacity, wit, feistiness, charm, and grace (when needed). She will also be remembered for her beautiful smile, gentle eyes, loving embrace, and unconditional love. She was appropriately self-nicknamed as “Mom” “Mama” or “Ma” to countless individuals throughout her life. She listened to understand, would offer advice followed by the lesson, and would always leave you with one of her infamous hugs.
Cheryle was one of the strongest women one could ever meet. She wasn’t afraid of anyone or anything. She was a fierce Mama and put up a long fight with Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia, and Vascular Dementia. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate her life and find comfort that she is in heaven watching over us. She has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be supremely missed.
She is survived by her dearest “John Boy”, her husband, John E. Slagle “Concrete John” of Rapid City, SD, and three daughters: Tonja Slagle Read of Grand Island, NE, Kara Longland-Slagle (Jeremy Longland) of Rapid City, SD, Caryn Slagle-Scruggs (Tufani Scruggs) of Las Vegas, NV; 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.
She is preceded in death by her parents Duane C. and Eldora P. “Granny” (Dean) Smock of Rapid City, SD; son, Lee J. Cornog of Dothan, AL; daughter, Felicia Dale of Rapid City, SD; grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and friends.
Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible prayer — God granted me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace… This prayer was a great starting point for many life events Cheryle surpassed, it was always deep in her heart to ask the Lord for peace, for help to discern what to change, for focus, happiness, and how to obey His will.
Church service will be held at Journey Church, 1981 Centre St., Rapid City, SD, on Friday, June 21, 2024, beginning at 2:00 pm.
Journey Church will be live-streaming Cheryle’s service for those unable to attend and the link will be provided before the service starts. We request that all guests wear purple in memory of Cheryle, as it was not only her favorite color, but a symbol that reflected her incredible fight with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
A celebration of Cheryle’s life will be held at The Eagles Lodge, 1410 E. Centre St., Rapid City, SD on Friday, June 21, 2024, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
A private burial service will be held for the family at Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr., Sturgis, SD, at a later date.
The family would like to thank all the healthcare professionals: doctors, nurses, volunteers, caretakers, and home health, for nurturing Cheryle through this journey. We are sincerely grateful to the wonderful medical staff with Home Health and Hospice who comforted and cared for her in her last days.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Online condolences may be expressed through www.westriverfd.com.
West River Funeral Directors have been entrusted with arrangements.
