Cheryl McMullen

Cheryl Jean (Hancock) McMullen, 66, was born on January 26, 1949, in Red Cloud, Nebraska, to Lowell E. and Doris Lorraine (Koch) Hancock.  Cheryl passed away on July 15, 2015, at her home in Courtland, Kansas.  Cheryl grew up on a farm near Esbon, Kansas.  She graduated from Esbon High School in 1966 and went on to Beloit Vocational School where she studied business and received her business certificate. She was united in marriage to David James McMullen on November 6, 1981.  They raised 4 children at their rural Courtland home.  She filled many roles, working at Maher Grain, Courtland City Office as City Clerk, and later she owned and ran her own business. Growing up on the farm, Cheryl learned a great work ethic and love for the outdoors.  Throughout her life she enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating and exploring nature.  Cheryl loved passing on her values and wisdom to her children and grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.  Cheryl’s biggest reward was seeing her family using those lessons in their own lives.  She was an avid animal lover, history buff, bargain hunter, recycler, and KU fan.  She was the designated family photographer and could often be seen snapping pictures of her kids and grandkids at birthdays, holidays, school concerts and sporting events. Cheryl had a way of making small and large events alike seem personal and special no matter when, or where. Cheryl was a great cook and caregiver.  Everyone was always welcome at her house where there was plenty of good food and laughter.  She was always ready for a good conversation over a pot of coffee or a cold beer with family or friends.  She was involved for many years on the Courtland Fun Day committee, Pike Valley PTO, Courtland PRIDE Club, and the Esbon American Legion Auxiliary. For 23 years she attended her children’s sporting events, music concerts, forensics, and other school activities at Pike Valley.  She remained active in her community and families lives until her passing. She was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church, Belleville, KS. Cheryl was preceded in death by her father Lowell Hancock; mother-in-law Lydia McMullen; father-in-law James McMullen; and brother-in-law Pat McMullen. She is survived by her husband of 33 years David McMullen; mother Doris Hancock of Esbon, KS; sister Carol (Roy) DeWitt of Linn Creek, MO; sister Connie (Ron) Aspegren of Courtland, KS; brother Doug (Karen) Hancock of Esbon, KS; daughter JoAnne (Jeff) Filinger of Cuba, KS; son Richard (Kasey Hanel) Frost of Baldwin City, KS; daughter Elizabeth (Chris) Herron of Gardner, KS; son James (Mary Carlington) McMullen of Ft. Riley, KS; nine grandchildren, Guy and Max Filinger; Macey, Merrin, Kyan, and Kreyton Frost; Lydia and Leo Herron; and Jarek McMullen; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 20, at Tibbetts Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville, KS, from 5-7 p.m. with a Vigil service at 6:00pm.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Belleville on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 with Fr. Brian Lager officiating.  Burial will be at Prairie Home Cemetery, Esbon, KS, following the service.  Memorials may be made to the Cheryl McMullen memorial fund. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas assisted the McMullen family with these arrangements.