Obituary for Janice Stangeland-Cherry

Janice Marie Stangeland-Cherry

(February 19, 1953 – May 22, 2016)

Janice Marie Stangeland-Cherry, age 63, resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016, at her home.

Jan will be available for viewing on Wednesday afternoon and evening until 8:00pm and Thursday from 8:00am – 8:00pm. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene with Pastor David Frees officiating. She will be buried privately at the Longwood Cemetery in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Jan was born on February 19, 1953 to Gordon Stangeland and Thelma McPherson Stangeland in Lawton, OK. Jan attended Ponca City Schools, graduating in 1971. After high school, she attended Southern Nazarene University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in 1975. Later, in 1988, she earned a Masters in Adult Education from Oklahoma University. Early in her career, she served at Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City as a Drama and Debate teacher. Jan then worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Oklahoma City. Later, she was employed by State Farm Insurance in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The Pioneer Technology Center became outlet for her passion to teach others. At Pioneer Tech, Jan became the Adult Class Coordinator. On July 20, 1986, Jan married John Cherry, celebrating nearly thirty years of marriage.

Jan was a loving caregiver, endeavoring to ensure that others were encouraged, inspired and doing their best as they pursued their interests. Jan was known amongst the neighborhood children for being the house with lots of art supplies, but if you used a coloring book, you don’t have to stay within the lines. The upbeat and jovial life Jan had was a blessing to all those who spent time with her. Jan also loved to read. She enjoyed books of many different genres and time frames. She loved the Arts of all kinds, not only books but plays and musicals, music and movies. Jan served at St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene as a board member for 9 years, overseeing the construction of the new sanctuary.

Survivors include her beloved husband, John Cherry, children: Michael Cherry of Ponca City, and Brianne Cherry of Ponca City, parents, Gordon and Thelma Stangeland of Ponca City, brothers: Ron Stangeland and wife Lindy of Edmond, OK, and Geron Stangeland and wife Becky of Ponca City, OK, nieces and nephews: Carol Loeber and husband Matt of Edmond, OK, Melissa Stangeland of Edmond, OK, Bryan Stangeland and wife Deborah of Edmond, OK, Laura, Sweeney and husband Brian of Oklahoma City, Neil Stangeland and wife Amy of Ponca CIty, Kristen Stangeland of Oklahoma city, foster mother Connie Sullivan of Manhattan, KS,numerous aunts, uncles, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Leonard and Renas Stangeland, John and Leva McPherson, and mother in law Jean Cherry.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene, 1715 E. Prospect, Ponca City, OK 74604

Source: Trout Funeral Home