CHERYL KATHLEEN HAMLIN

Dodge City - Cheryl Kathleen Hamlin, 66, died May 22, 2013 at her residence in Overland Park. She was born March 30, 1947 at St. Anthony Hospital in Dodge City the daughter of Walter E. and Theda B. (Davidson) Reimer.

Cheryl grew up in Kalvesta and attended Dodge City High School. She later received her GED and an Associates Degree from Dodge City Community College.

Cheryl had a special ability to touch the hearts of those she met. Those close to her know of her vast kindness, never ending faith, enduring strength, and abounding love. A devoted mother, her life's work and pride and joy were raising her two sons. She was even considered a second mother to several of her sons' friends.

Cheryl lived a challenging life. She was paralyzed from the waist down at age 22 after a car accident, she overcame cancer twice (1993 & 1999), she survived two house fires (1958 & 2011), coped with the amputation of her left leg (2011), among other things. She was never one to complain though and her faith in Christ gave her the strength to persevere through all of her challenges. Given her challenges, she enjoyed the simpler things in life. A good book, time spent with family and friends, watching a good ball game, or a nice cookout on a sunny day. Cheryl published an autobiography in 2005 entitled Three Strikes, which gave the accounts of her tribulations and the testimony of her faith. She remained living independently until her death.

Cheryl was a member of Grace Community Church in Dodge City.

Cheryl is survived by her two loving sons, Robert (Bobby) Thomas Smith and wife Cindi of Lees Summit, MO, and Edwin (Boon) Ryan Hamlin and wife Kindra of Olathe; two grandchildren, Elle Angelina Smith (9) and Owen Rising Hamlin (6 mo.); two sisters, Barbara Jo Dark and husband Scott of Dodge City and Sharon Paine of Kearney, MO; mother, Theda Fagen of Dodge City and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Dee Anderson and Linda Reimer; one brother, Tommy Reimer; and her father, Walter Reimer.

Funeral service will be held at Grace Community Church in Dodge City on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Kirk Larson presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Grace Community Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at swaimfuneralhome.com.