This is the story of a child that was loved and was exceptional.
Cheri was born on October 2nd 1971 the fourth child of Ron and Maxine Gries. She had three older brothers, Russell, Raymond, and Michael that were thrilled that they had a little sister coming home to them. And little she was 5 pounds 13 oz and 18 inches long. Later we added to our family two brothers and a new sister. We now have Christopher, David and Mary 7 children WOW right?
This little bundle became a woman with many dreams. She went to Bothell High School and played : soccer, basketball, track, bowling( letter in most of them ) and was active as well in college at Shoreline. But this is just the being.
Cheri went on to be active in community services in every place she lived which included: Las Vegas, Boone Iowa, and back to Seattle Washington where she found her footing with the Gay community. She was very supportive of the community and had so many diverse friends. I can say there was no one that did not like Cheri for her humor, smile, friendship and heart.
Cheri worked at QFC for the last few years and loved her work and co- workers . If, there was a homeless person or a person who was short on money to pay for their food she would give them whatever she could. Her heart was larger than life.
This brings us to the fight and grit that Cheri had once diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She fought it with everything she had and did it with a smile on her face telling those around her she was OK even though she was not. She did not want to worry or have people feel sorry for her. She was proud of her work and did not want to show people how much she was hurting on any given day.
Each year Cheri would start a Go Fund page around Christmas time to honor her father, who lost his battle with lung cancer. She loved him more than life itself. She would match whatever was given so she could handout gift cards to families in need that would not have food or a gift for their child at Christmas. Some years it was a struggle for her to match the amounts because of her high medical bills but she did. She felt this was a calling.
I can't leave out Cheri's love for animals. They gave here strength throughout her life.
Cheri was preceded in death by her brother David, father Ronald. Cheri is survived by mother, Maxine Gries, Russell Gries, Raymond and spouse Donna, Michael Gries and spouse Erin, Christopher Gries and spouse Lily, Mary Gries Pytel and spouse David , Aunt Susan Sutton and spouse Jeffrey as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews.
In lieu of flowers please donate to homeless shelters, SPCA, or the charity of your choice. There will be a Celebration of Life that will be announced at a later date.
Tributes
Janean Lawrence wrote on Oct 11, 2024:
"I went to school with this crazy lady from grade school on up. Such a positive kind and one of a kind beautiful soul. We also played soccer together all I remember about soccer with her was constant banter of sarcasm and sore stomach muscles from laughing so hard always!! She was one of the most loyal genuine people I have ever had the honor of being around. My prayers and love to her mother and family I know she will be around you all protecting and loving you in spirit. This earth has lost an amazing energy and person with her passing. Fly high and rest in peace my friend "
Sandy Bowhay wrote on Oct 8, 2024:
"I am so very sorry to hear of Cheri?s passing! I knew Cheri from Crystal Springs elementary school. We were good friends and she was so fun and funny and kind! I remember running track with her and she was such a fast runner and very athletic. She was such a positive encouraging person. Rest well my friend! "
Stephanie (Lindjord) Dupuis wrote on Oct 8, 2024:
"Oh Cheri. I'm so sorry to hear this news, my heart hurts for you.
Cheri and I met at Crystal Springs elementary in Bothell when we were 9 yo. We went to school together until we graduated at Bothell HS. I always respected your sense of humor, perseverence in life and Kindess. Thank you for your friendship when we were kids. It helped me be a better person. "
Michael Madayag wrote on Oct 8, 2024:
"I met Cherie at Canyon Park Junior High running track. I was as drawn to her because I?ve never met anyone so authentic and so wacky ?! We ran track together till our senior year. When she came back from Iowa, we went to lunch with another High School friend, Allison. My ?business? lunch turned into a whole afternoon of laughing so much that my jaws hurt after! I miss her sense of humor, infectious laugh, and just her ability to make sure you?re having a good time when you?re in her presence. I miss you, my friend! Rest well."
Heather (Stender) Green wrote on Oct 8, 2024:
"Cheri and i were fast friends when we met at Canyon Park Jr High. We played basketball together and we loved trash talking our opposing teams...all in fun of course! In high school, we sang in choir together and had other classes together, thankfully because she was always so much fun to be around. When she came back from Iowa, we had a big gathering down in Seattle to celebrate her return. Same Cheri, always full of off the wall comments that would leave me in stitches. She was such a bright soul, with a big heart. My prayers to the family, and the community of people who saw her and appreciated her uniqueness. She is definitely missed already."
Robert Fellows wrote on Oct 7, 2024:
"Cheri was one of my favorite tenants from the past 13 years managing properties. I'd see her working at QFC when I'd do my late night grocery shopping and we'd laugh and make fun of Kroger. She gave me a little care package 3 years ago after I had to put my cat Harvey down, I'd had him for 19 years. She included a black card with a bedazzled Stormtrooper helmet on the front... one o' them fancy Papyrus cards for $12 with some glow-in-the-dark silly putty and some Girl Scout Cookies. She was truly an old, wise, generous and kind soul. The last couple of years were such a bitch to you, you didn't deserve what you were dealt. You deserved so much better. I will miss you mon Cheri. "
Kat Barton wrote on Oct 6, 2024:
"Cheri was my 1st boss when I came to Ballard. I instantly liked her. Her witt, humor and shennanigans at work kept everyone upbeat. I had Thursdays and Fridays off and I would be visiting my best friend in Marysville. Every Thursday without fail, she would call me and ask me to work, and without fail, I would. There are not that many people I would have done this for, but she had a way of making you want to be there. Even on rough days at work, Cheri always made it fun. You will be deeply missed Cheri, and the googly eyes are going up all over the store for you. Rest easy girl. Love you"
Colleen Patrick wrote on Oct 2, 2024:
"We never really used words Snaff, BONK?ruuuuub ???"
Amber wrote on Oct 2, 2024:
"Love you Cousin Cheri. May your soul be at peace with your father, brother, and other loved ones."