Welcome to the memorial page for
Cheri L. Mitchell
September 22, 2015 Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from Rick Chesrown
April 17, 2016 3:36 PM
Always wanted to say Hi one more time. It will have to wait.
A candle was lit by Rick Chesrown
on April 17, 2016 3:33 PM
Message from Alexandra Fox
October 13, 2015 10:12 AM
Cheri was my boss when I worked for BalletMet in 1999-2001. She was a kind, caring and delightful soul and a true a force of light. Her passion for the arts was enormously inspiring to me. I'll miss her dearly.
A candle was lit by Alexandra Fox
on October 13, 2015 9:14 AM
A candle was lit by kaye davis
on October 11, 2015 2:52 PM
Message from Jude Mericle
October 11, 2015 8:17 AM
Cheri was not only a student of mine at Elyria High, but she was also a very dear friend. She was always upbeat and friendly, and she will be greatly missed.
A candle was lit by Jude Holly Mericle
on October 11, 2015 7:54 AM
A candle was lit by Forest Godsey
on October 5, 2015 12:19 AM
Message from Roger and Wendy Vaughan
September 30, 2015 9:33 AM
A Cheri thought.
25 years ago we worked for 10 or 12 years closely together. I was a CATCO board member. A job I loved.
I was lucky enough to get to help with CATCO in its infancy, as hands on as a board as you could ever be on. Basically a start up, there was this wonderful spirit and positive energy around the place. Geoff and Cheri together, Fred and Howard too were both important early guiding forces. A lot we were figuring it out as we went. Everyone worked hard. It was an amazing team. Cheri though was the one who made it hum.
I was too young then to appreciate if someone was particularly talented. Cheri did her 3 or 4 jobs well, again typical start up, was good at managing others and getting stuff done of course with no budget. She was passionate about her work. Something she naturally radiated, it was infectious. You knew she loved what she was doing. She worked hard crazy hours, but like I said earlier everyone did.
Startups have amazing energy and it is hard work to corral. It’s always all hands on deck and up against huge odds. Half of new businesses fail by year 5.
CATCO / Cheri thrived. She navigated the art, staff and board parts of her work effortlessly. And yet none of this can really be appreciated until you’ve worked with 20 start ups and compare. Managing the “crazy” of a startup is one thing, but it’s hard for people to grow in their roles as the organization matures. Not all make the leap. Many burn out. Cheri got better as CATCO got better.
The jump to BalletMet was the perfect next step for her, an older more stable place. Bigger budgets more people. Her success there allowed those of us who knew her to see her transition again seemingly effortlessly, from successful manager to leader.
While our paths only bumped into one another occasionally, more recently, I’m really just now to the point where I understand, how truly rare and special she is/was. Now suddenly I can’t have that beer with her to catch up and tell her.
I’m sad for our city too. Her loss will be deeply felt. A place only has so many Cheri’s. To lose one early leaves us stuck playing at a big disadvantage.
To Cheri… Wendy and I send our love.
25 years ago we worked for 10 or 12 years closely together. I was a CATCO board member. A job I loved.
I was lucky enough to get to help with CATCO in its infancy, as hands on as a board as you could ever be on. Basically a start up, there was this wonderful spirit and positive energy around the place. Geoff and Cheri together, Fred and Howard too were both important early guiding forces. A lot we were figuring it out as we went. Everyone worked hard. It was an amazing team. Cheri though was the one who made it hum.
I was too young then to appreciate if someone was particularly talented. Cheri did her 3 or 4 jobs well, again typical start up, was good at managing others and getting stuff done of course with no budget. She was passionate about her work. Something she naturally radiated, it was infectious. You knew she loved what she was doing. She worked hard crazy hours, but like I said earlier everyone did.
Startups have amazing energy and it is hard work to corral. It’s always all hands on deck and up against huge odds. Half of new businesses fail by year 5.
CATCO / Cheri thrived. She navigated the art, staff and board parts of her work effortlessly. And yet none of this can really be appreciated until you’ve worked with 20 start ups and compare. Managing the “crazy” of a startup is one thing, but it’s hard for people to grow in their roles as the organization matures. Not all make the leap. Many burn out. Cheri got better as CATCO got better.
The jump to BalletMet was the perfect next step for her, an older more stable place. Bigger budgets more people. Her success there allowed those of us who knew her to see her transition again seemingly effortlessly, from successful manager to leader.
While our paths only bumped into one another occasionally, more recently, I’m really just now to the point where I understand, how truly rare and special she is/was. Now suddenly I can’t have that beer with her to catch up and tell her.
I’m sad for our city too. Her loss will be deeply felt. A place only has so many Cheri’s. To lose one early leaves us stuck playing at a big disadvantage.
To Cheri… Wendy and I send our love.
Message from Steven Volk
September 28, 2015 9:38 AM
My heart broke when I heard the news. I wish I could be there with you to at least give you a hug, Frank, and I'm sorry to miss the memorial service since I'll be out of the country. All my sympathy and friendship. Steve
Message from W
September 27, 2015 9:06 PM
My deepest condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in your loving memories of Mrs.Mitchell. May God provide comfort and peace to your family during your difficult time. ( 2 Corinthians 1: 3,4)
Message from p. susan
September 27, 2015 3:31 PM
as the news spread about cheri's death, you could feel the sadness spread through the community. it became cold and lightless. cheri was full of light, laughter, kindness, patience, fun. our world is less without her.
A candle was lit by p. susan sharrock
on September 27, 2015 3:28 PM
Message from Bruce Terry
September 27, 2015 12:58 PM
It was an honor to have known such a wonderful and dedicated lady. She always brought a smile to my face, and I'll truly miss her.
A candle was lit by Tim Cairns
on September 26, 2015 12:52 PM
Message from Saundra McLemore
September 26, 2015 10:47 AM
How shocked and saddened my staff and I were when we learned of the tragic death of Cheri Mitchell. I first met Cheri around 15 or 16 years ago when she called me regarding sales for BalletMet. I found Cheri to be very enthusiastic and professional in her love for BalletMet. She will certainly be missed by many. My heart goes out to her family. May they be strengthened by our Lord. God bless them. Rest in peace, Cheri.
Saundra McLemore
McLemore & Associates, Inc.
Saundra McLemore
McLemore & Associates, Inc.
A candle was lit by Loren Bucek
on September 25, 2015 6:50 PM
A candle was lit by missy nabors
on September 25, 2015 5:40 PM
Message from Dia and Tim Foley
September 25, 2015 5:28 PM
From the musical Parade:
"Did you ever hear her laugh?
When she laughed, you swore you'd never cry again.
Did you ever see her smile?
Her smile was like a glass of lemonade.
And she said funny things,
And she wore pretty dresses,
And she liked to see the pictures at the VFW Hall,
And she loved ridin' swings,
And she liked cotton candy,
But I think she liked the pictures best of all:
No, it don't make sense to me
That she won't be around.
No, it don't make sense to me at all."
RIP our dear friend-know that you were loved beyond what we could ever express. See you later.
"Did you ever hear her laugh?
When she laughed, you swore you'd never cry again.
Did you ever see her smile?
Her smile was like a glass of lemonade.
And she said funny things,
And she wore pretty dresses,
And she liked to see the pictures at the VFW Hall,
And she loved ridin' swings,
And she liked cotton candy,
But I think she liked the pictures best of all:
No, it don't make sense to me
That she won't be around.
No, it don't make sense to me at all."
RIP our dear friend-know that you were loved beyond what we could ever express. See you later.
A candle was lit by Regina (Parton) Burchfield
on September 25, 2015 4:23 PM
Message from Wallace M. Tanksley
September 25, 2015 3:07 AM
Frank and Family, I am crushed and devastated about the sudden lost of Cheri.
We were suppose to hook up next week when I got back in town. I've had the pleasure of knowing, and calling Cheri a close friend, and sister. What a beautiful person inside and out! God has a plan for Cheri in heaven, and he has called her to come home! Sorry I can't be there for her home going this weekend as I am out of the Country. May God bless Cheri, and the family, and give us all support in this difficult time. Love and Peace always!
We were suppose to hook up next week when I got back in town. I've had the pleasure of knowing, and calling Cheri a close friend, and sister. What a beautiful person inside and out! God has a plan for Cheri in heaven, and he has called her to come home! Sorry I can't be there for her home going this weekend as I am out of the Country. May God bless Cheri, and the family, and give us all support in this difficult time. Love and Peace always!
A candle was lit by Wallace M. Tanksley..
on September 25, 2015 2:47 AM
Message from Cheri Vargo-Kuppe
September 24, 2015 11:46 PM
Just a whisper away ....
A soft gentle breeze.......
That familiar fragrance....
A Shooting star..............
The first flower of spring....
A four-leaf clover.......
The soft summer rain......
............................................................Forever in your heart......until you meet again....
She will live in your heart.....until you meet again
A soft gentle breeze.......
That familiar fragrance....
A Shooting star..............
The first flower of spring....
A four-leaf clover.......
The soft summer rain......
............................................................Forever in your heart......until you meet again....
She will live in your heart.....until you meet again
A candle was lit by Cheri Vargo-Kuppe
on September 24, 2015 11:14 PM
A candle was lit by Carol DeLelles
on September 24, 2015 8:51 PM
Message from Jo Ann and Robert Wilhelmsen
September 24, 2015 8:10 PM
So many fond memories of this wonderful lady! Such a heartbreaking tragedy. Love and prayers to Frank and family.
Message from Jeri Gatch
September 24, 2015 4:16 PM
I always looked forward to seeing Cheri when I traveled to Columbus for Arts events and meetings. Her smile and generosity will be missed.
Message from jack & ursula corbett
September 24, 2015 4:04 PM
To know Cheri was to love her. I remember her crying at Howard Burn's celebration of life at the Capitol Theater. There won't be a dry eye at Cheri's celebration including ours.
A candle was lit by Butch and Toni Clark
on September 24, 2015 3:56 PM
A candle was lit by Reiko Shiroiwa
on September 24, 2015 3:28 PM
A candle was lit by Gabriella Dobkin and family.
on September 24, 2015 2:58 PM
Message from Dobkin family
September 24, 2015 2:58 PM
Life without your smile will be not the same for so many of us.
Message from Judy Smith
September 24, 2015 2:04 PM
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Cheri was such a bright light in so many people's lives. We all are missing her! I hope the prayers and good wishes of her many friends provide some comfort to you now.
Message from Melissa Obenauf, ZIVILI
September 24, 2015 1:58 PM
My heart is breaking. There are no words. Love and prayers to all who live with Cheri's memory in their hearts.
A candle was lit by Timothy Tam
on September 24, 2015 1:53 PM
A candle was lit by Gina and Jaeda Rivera
on September 24, 2015 1:50 PM
Message from Bob Brodkey and Carolyn Patch
September 24, 2015 1:46 PM
We are so very, very sorry about Cheri's passing. She was such a vibrantly alive person, Her impact on the Arts in Columbus was tremendous. Our deepest condolences to her family.
A candle was lit by Kelly Smith-Campbell and Mark Campbell
on September 24, 2015 12:32 PM
Message from Kelly Smith-Campbell and Mark Campbell
September 24, 2015 12:31 PM
Mark and I knew Cheri by being part of the CATCO family. She was incredibly kind and encouraging and we always had such great respect for her never ending dedication to CATCO. Being part of CATCO was a special time in our life and knowing her only holds great memories. We were shocked to hear of this news and our hearts are heavy. But I will always be reminded what an incredible communitarian she was in the arts. We will continue to be inspired by her commitment to the arts. Thank you Cheri.
Message from Sally McDonald
September 24, 2015 11:42 AM
I loved working with Cherie whjile I was on the Ballet Met board. I haven't been actively serving at the Ballet but it was always nice to see her at a performance. She was always just lovely. I feel it is tragic that she was lost at a time she would have been free to enjoy life without so many obligations, but as the obituary stated, she packed a lot into her life. my sincere sympathy. Sally McDonald
Message from Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
September 24, 2015 9:52 AM
We are saddened to hear about Cheri's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time and our condolences also go out to her friends and family and OhioDance and BalletMet.
A candle was lit by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
on September 24, 2015 9:49 AM
Message from Tonya Kraner
September 24, 2015 8:47 AM
I worked with Cheri at BalletMet where she was always a smiling face and a positive energy. I am saddened by her loss, but know that she has changed the lives of all she encountered.
Message from Sonia and Jimmy Orrante
September 23, 2015 11:24 PM
There are those people we encounter in our lives and those who shape our very journey. Cheri's sense of compassion, loyalty, humor and her infinite love of the arts helped form some of the best years of our lives. We carry this energy forward and know her presence will remain with us.
A candle was lit by Sonia and Jimmy Orrante
on September 23, 2015 11:02 PM
Message from Susanne Jaffe
September 23, 2015 9:15 PM
Cheri will be deeply missed and long remembered. She was a special gift to us all.
A candle was lit by Susanne Jaffe
on September 23, 2015 9:12 PM
Message from Tyrone Boyle
September 23, 2015 6:52 PM
Cheri was instrumental in my returning to BalletMet during the summer of 2013 after a 6 year hiatus in Chicago. Upon returning to work at BalletMet, I passed by Cheri's office practically every evening and we would often have a brief conversation before saying "good night." Those conversations often revolved around what was happening in the arts community in Columbus or, more specifically, some special bit of trivia associated with BalletMet. I distinctly remember how passionate she was when she spoke about what was happening in the arts community and how important it was for BalletMet to be a leader in dance and in the arts culture here. I will always cherish those discussions.
On a light-hearted note, 2 years ago she gave me the quirkiest set of dress socks for Christmas and I would always "model" them for her every time I wore them! She would just chuckle and say, "I'm so glad you're enjoying them!" I wear those socks to this very day - and wearing them now takes on even more of a special meaning to me!
Cheri was truly a bright light in not only the arts community, but in the day-to-day fabric of life for many here in central Ohio! She was such a special woman with a beautiful spirit and smile. I am honored to have known her and worked along side her. Love you, Cheri! You will always be remembered by all of us whose lives are immeasurably better through having known you!
Forever In Gratitude,
Tyrone Boyle
On a light-hearted note, 2 years ago she gave me the quirkiest set of dress socks for Christmas and I would always "model" them for her every time I wore them! She would just chuckle and say, "I'm so glad you're enjoying them!" I wear those socks to this very day - and wearing them now takes on even more of a special meaning to me!
Cheri was truly a bright light in not only the arts community, but in the day-to-day fabric of life for many here in central Ohio! She was such a special woman with a beautiful spirit and smile. I am honored to have known her and worked along side her. Love you, Cheri! You will always be remembered by all of us whose lives are immeasurably better through having known you!
Forever In Gratitude,
Tyrone Boyle
A candle was lit by Tyrone Boyle
on September 23, 2015 6:24 PM
A candle was lit by Margaret Carlson
on September 23, 2015 5:45 PM
A candle was lit by Margaret Carlson
on September 23, 2015 5:43 PM
Message from Sharon Izzi
September 23, 2015 4:51 PM
Deepest sympathy to all the family. I am an usher for CAPA & this is how I knew of Cheri. Such a strong spirit - she'll live in hearts forever! Blessings to you all!
Message from Jacqueline Bates
September 23, 2015 4:38 PM
I knew Cheri through CATCO and Ballet Met. Hers is a presence the arts world will sorely miss. What energy and enthusiasm - and those dimples, that smile. My heart aches for her loved ones.
A candle was lit by Jacqueline Bates
on September 23, 2015 4:36 PM
A candle was lit by Jane D'Angelo
on September 23, 2015 1:45 PM
Message from Jane D'Angelo
September 23, 2015 1:45 PM
Cheri was one of the first to welcome me in my position at OhioDance and she was always there. We will miss her kind, thoughtful, joyous spirit. Peace and love to her family.
Message from Sheila Hunt Rossiter
September 23, 2015 12:42 PM
A generous soul that will truly be missed. Heartbreaking. Prayers to Frank and the rest of the family.
A candle was lit by Sheila Hunt Rossiter
on September 23, 2015 12:41 PM
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