"Keeping The Memories Alive"

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CHERYL ANDROES CRAIG
June 27, 1952 - October 12, 2026



Cheri was born to Herbert and Velma Androes on Friday, June 27, 1952, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the youngest of three daughters. She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1970, and later that fall welcomed her first son, Corey. She and Corey lived with her parents until she married Del Ratzlaff of Scott City, Kansas, January 1972. Del adopted Corey later that year, and together they welcomed three more sons: Jaime, Toby, and Brady. The family eventually settled in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Later, Cheri married Jim Edgington. Together, they blended their families, bringing together her three sons, his two sons, and their daughter, Desiree. Cheri spent much of these years raising her children and caring for her home, where her creativity and attention to detail were evident in everything she did.

Cheri had a gift for making things beautiful. She restored antiques, created crafts and wreaths, and eventually became a florist, providing flowers for both her son's and daughter's weddings. She could cook, bake, garden, landscape, and repair nearly anything. Her home was filled with carefully restored antiques and thoughtfully arranged décor, and holidays brought decorations to nearly every corner.

Beyond her home, Cheri had an adventurous spirit and a love of photography, hiking, and travel. She explored canyons, mountains, oceans, and the natural world, capturing her discoveries through her camera and preserving them in elaborate scrapbooks. She kayaked, water-skied, snow-skied, rock-climbed, danced, rafted, and loved theme parks and thrilling rides. She was always ready for another adventure.

The loss of her son Toby in 1973 was a sorrow she carried throughout her life. Even as Alzheimer's disease gradually took away many of her memories and abilities, she continued to remember Toby and grieve for him. Her enduring sorrow spoke to the depth of a mother's love.

After her husband Larie Craig passed away, Cheri was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. During the early years of her diagnosis, Cheri continued living independently and maintaining her life as best she could. During this time, she met Darrel Gray, a fellow widower who knew of her diagnosis but genuinely cared for her and wanted to help. Darrell became an important part of her life, living with Cheri and keeping in close contact with her children. He regularly updated them on how she was doing, brought her to Oklahoma to visit family, and took her out to eat in town, including visits to the restaurant where her daughter worked. He helped Cheri maintain connections with the people she loved and continued everyday life for as long as it was safe for her to do so. Eventually, as her needs grew beyond what could be managed at home, Cheri moved into a full-time care facility about a year before her passing.

Her family would like to offer a very special thank-you to Darrel. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and selflessness made a profound difference in Cheri's life. You helped preserve her dignity and gave her companionship, care, and attention through circumstances that were often difficult and heartbreaking. You showed up for her when she needed someone, and her family will always be grateful. You are loved and deeply appreciated for all you have done.

Cheri was preceded in death by her parents, Velma and Herbert Androes; her son, Toby Kirk Ratzlaff; and her husband, Larie Craig.

She is survived by her four children and their families: Corey and Summer Ratzlaff of Jenks, Oklahoma; Jaime and Ashley Ratzlaff of Sachse, Texas; Brady and Shannon Ratzlaff of Claremore, Oklahoma; and her daughter Desi Putman of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren: Adison and Micah Cooley; Matt Ratzlaff and Julia; Chloe Ratzlaff and Blake Ratzlaff; Milo and Raif Ramsey; Emerson McCamant; Logan Ratzlaff; Madi Rigney; Cagan Ratzlaff; Cooper Ratzlaff; Jordyn Putman; and Jayden Putman; As well as two great-grandchildren, Lisa Ketcher and Rory Ratzlaff. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters and their spouses: Valara and Dan Kottle of New Ipswich, NH; Donna and Dan Snyder of Nickerson, KS; as well as many family and friends that she touched as well.

Cheri's life was filled with creativity, adventure, love, loss, and relationships that shaped her and those around her. We remember her for the beauty she created, the world she explored, the memories she preserved, and the love she carried. For her life we give eternal thanks.

A memorial service will be held at Nickerson United Methodist Church on Sunday October 25th at 2pm. She will be laid to rest by her infant son at Memorial Park Cemetery on Hutchinson, KS.

Rest In Peace Cheri.