Cheryl Rae Bartels

Cheryl Rae Ekstein Bartels, born August 23, 1956, passed away at home Saturday, July 26, 2025, reuniting with many friends and family who had been awaiting her.

Sherry was a much beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to countless people in her 68 years. She spent a lifetime taking care of others in addition to being the foundation upon which a home was built. As an army wife, she was a great support to "her soldier" and was once highlighted in the Journal News expressing gratitude for the support shown to soldiers during Desert Shield. Sherry spent time in childcare at the daycare for United Lindenwald Methodist Church where she made many friends and impacted all.

Sherry was a voracious reader and a book could always be found near at hand. She spent time building Legos which she had regained a love for in the past decade, and in her younger years she was a talented painter of ceramics. Throughout her life, her "babies" provided much love, and dogs, especially Boxers, were always under her feet.

Sherry is preceded in passing by her parents, Raymond and Doris Ekstein, beloved grandparents Lester and Leah Dix, sister Bonita Bunting, brother William Neal, and her son and angel Jon David Cooper. She is survived by her husband, Charles Edward Bartels, son Timothy Vaughn Cooper, grandson Jacob Daniel Cooper, and her brother John D. Ekstein with Robin Reece.