Cherryl Kohler

Cherryl Ruth Kohler, 96, of Missoula, passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of October 27, 2024. The second to the youngest in a family of 10 children, Cherryl was born in Missoula on December 9, 1927. Some of her greatest memories with the family was when they lived in a wall tent all summer while her mom and dad ran a saw mill. It was during this time she was given the nickname Chuck. She was a member of a hard-working family, a trait which she carried with her throughout the rest of her life. Early on in high school, she broke her leg which interfered with her academics. Instead of going back to school, Chuck chose to work to help support her family during hard times. On May 31, 1949, she married the love of her life, Ray Kohler. Accustomed to hard work, she wasn’t afraid to pick up a hammer and help Ray build the home she would live in for over 66 years until the very end. During breaks from building, she would make a picnic lunch and head to the mountains to gather rocks for their living room fireplace and flower garden. In the summer, Chuck could be found in the flowerbeds, mowing her lawn, or harvesting the garden. Come winter, she could be found sewing or knitting gloves, mittens, hats and socks for the family. As her three children grew, she served as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She later served in the Grandparent Volunteer Program at Mount Jumbo and Rattlesnake Schools. In addition, she joined the Homemakers Club who valued the old-fashioned ways and tradition of making a house a home. Chuck was happiest with being involved with her children’s activities and following their progress in life. She truly devoted her life to her children, grandchildren, and husband. Up until the age of 95, Chuck remained independent. She could still be found mowing the lawn, raking leaves, snow blowing, shoveling, or canning fruit for the family. Chuck was a very dependable neighbor and a quiet and gentle woman who lived very simple. Chuck loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Chuck was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, of 53 years; granddaughter, Tanna, and all nine of her siblings. She is survived by her three children, Dale (Jeanne) Kohler, Netta (Rick) Kostecki, Ron (Laurie) Kohler and grandchildren, Jayme Kaufman, Molly Rennie, Michael Kohler, Cullen Kostecki, Casey Kostecki, Kyle Kohler, 10 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. A celebration of life will be held at Hope Baptist Church, 7498 Zaugg Dr., Missoula, on November 4, 2024, at 11:00 am, followed by a reception. The burial ceremony will be held the same day at the New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Missoula, at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to Hope Baptist Church, P.O. Box 755, Milltown, Montana, 59851.