Cheryl Kaye Schellhase

Cheryl Kaye (Bruce) Schellhase, 77, passed away from complications caused by recently-diagnosed lymphoma at Northside Cherokee Hospital in Canton, GA on January 26, 2025. She was surrounded by her immediate family and passed peacefully on her terms with grace and beauty. Cheryl Kaye was born on May 3, 1947 in Evansville, Indiana to Nellie Reece (Fugate) Bruce and Carl V. Bruce, Sr., both of whom preceded her in death. Cheryl was also preceded in death by her brother and dear friend, Carl V. Bruce, Jr. (Marilyn Smith), her father-in-law and junking buddy, David Gene Schellhase, and her mother-in-law, Marjorie May (Bollinger) Schellhase, with whom she was very close and shared a birthday. Cheryl is survived by her doting husband of more than 55 years, Michael Owen Schellhase (Mike), her adored sister, Carlyn Reece (Bruce) Peterson (Craig) and her inspirational brother, Roy Bruce (Carolyn Walker). Growing up on Alvord Boulevard in Evansville meant a great deal to Cheryl, and she often told stories of dancing in front of the television with her sister to American Bandstand, creating imaginative worlds, sewing doll clothes, and helping her mother cook. She stopped by recently and met the current owners; they still cherish the door with the copious height markings. She attended Harper School and graduated from Harrison High School in 1965. Cheryl attended Indiana State University where she performed as a Sparkette, twirling a baton in the marching band and planting the seeds of a best friendship that would blossom her whole life with Mary (Davis) Schreiber. After graduating in 1969, Cheryl taught students with exceptional needs in Evansville. Cheryl married Michael Owen Schellhase (Mike) on July 10, 1969, and they were devoted and loving partners, parents, and grandparents. They met dancing at Gloria’s in Evansville and they continued that dance for the rest of her life. CK affectionately dedicated herself as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is lovingly survived by Mike, their three children, and eight grandchildren: Katie Reece (Schellhase) Moss and her children Will, Charlie, and Julia of Atlanta, GA; Mark Schellhase (Kaley Marshall) and their children Matthew, Cooper Kate, and Rhett of Boca Raton, FL; and Greg Schellhase (Ellen Garzynski) and their children Claire and Owen of Zionsville, IN. She modeled such love and devotion in her marriage, and as she always said, “We have each other,” and they did. When Mike was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021, she managed his care program and recovery with grace, patience, and faith. Cheryl’s loyal commitment to her marriage and children cultivated love and confidence in each of us. She maintained wonderful relationships with many friends, including her beloved “Meet and Eat” group, and extended family, as she hosted parties and holiday gatherings; there was no stranger at the home of the Schellhases, with CK as the heart. The foundation she created of serving others, serving God, and showing up for one another inspired each of us to constantly lead with love. Her role as compassionate and committed mother reigned as her most important calling, and she nurtured her children beautifully even on the last day of her life. As a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Evansville, Cheryl continued her steadfast faith in God that was developed at the First Baptist Church of her childhood. She innately knew and inspired others to know that having faith in the face of all fear allows us to continue to move forward, no matter the hardships. We will try to do that in her name and in the name of God. Services have been postponed until a later date. Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.

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Cheryl Kaye Schellhase

May 3, 1947 - January 27, 2025