Cheri Ann Ward (Pugh) passed away at her home on December 21, 2020, after a two year battle with head and neck cancer. She was surrounded by her daughter, husband and sister at her time of passing. She was 65 years young.

Cheri was born on June 26, 1955 in Ellensburg to Durward and Joanne Pugh. She spent most of her life as an Ellensburg resident. Other long-term residents may know her as the owner of a fabric store several years ago, or perhaps have heard her sing at a wedding or a funeral on more than one occasion. She was also a big hit at the Lutheran Church’s Christmas Eve service, where she sang her mother’s rendition of Silent Night with the choir.

Professionally, Cheri spent her last twenty plus years at Mt. Stuart Elementary. She loved her students and her colleagues. If your child attended Mt. Stuart, chances are you knew “Miss Cheri.” She may have even let your kiddo sit on her lap during a rough day, or mended your child’s clothes after an especially adventurous recess left a hole in one’s jeans. Cheri shared fond memories of her time at Mt. Stuart, even as her health declined. 

Above all, Cheri cherished her family, which includes many lifelong friends. She loved going on trips with her daughter and sister, throwing parties with her husband, and simply relaxing and sipping whiskey with good company around the fire pit.

Her easy laugh and quiet generosity left a tremendous mark on this world. She is simply irreplaceable. 

Cheri is survived by her husband Ron Ward, daughter Erin Krueger (Jeremy), sister Marla Pugh, brother Greg Pugh, niece Kyra Pugh (Cameron), and nephew Shane Pugh.

There will be a celebration of life later in 2021 when it is safe to have large gatherings.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes those who wish to donate, to give to the Gretchen Weller Foundation or the Head & Neck division of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.