Cheryl A Challis

Cheryl Ann (Kunkel) Challis, 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by her immediate family on September 24, 2026, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY.

Born on December 31, 1957, in Elmira, NY, Cheryl later moved with her family to Liverpool, NY, in 1963. Cheryl was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew her. She was a dedicated, hard worker who retired after 42 years of service at the Sheraton Inn, Four Points, and the Holiday Inn, in Liverpool. There she worked in the dining room and laundry facility.

A truly wonderful soul, Cheryl spent her life thinking of others. She loved creating heartfelt devotional books to give residents in nursing homes and hospitals, bringing comfort and joy to so many. Cheryl loved spending the summers with her family and friends at the cottage he parents built on Waneta Lake in Wayne, NY, in the finger lakes region. In her quiet time, she enjoyed working on word searches, crossword puzzles, and watching game shows on TV.

Cheryl is survived by he devoted husband of 40 years, Steven T. Challis, her loving brother Gary Kunkel and his wife Viki Boorady-Kunkel of Liverpool, Kathy Challis, Ron Challis, and Tim Challis, all of Syracuse, along with her beloved nieces and nephews, and so many loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, William and Ruth (Potter) Kunkel.

Visitation will be held Thursday October 1, 2026, from 4pm – 7pm, with a service at 7pm, at Newcomer Cremation and Funerals, North Syracuse, NY.

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