Cheri Lee Groth

Cheri Groth lived a life that could never be measured by titles, wealth, or status. She measured it instead by generosity, resilience, loyalty, and love. Though small in stature, she possessed the heart of a warrior-fiercely independent and never afraid to stand for those she loved.

Born to Merl Marglin and Mary Ann Horvat and raised in Milwaukee, Cheri graduated from Washington High School. The oldest of four children-and the family's only redhead-her fiery spirit became one of the qualities those closest to her cherished most.

Cheri was a proud member of the Oneida Nation. She embraced the strength of its matriarchal tradition, often describing herself as a warrior woman.

Although she didn't measure up to the world standards of earning a degree, she was proud of earning her certificates in the food service industry.

She believed deeply that life was meant to be shared. One of her favorite principles was, "Never take more than you need because if you do, you are stealing from the poor." Those were not simply words. They were the pattern of her life. More than once, she would spend her last few dollars helping someone else who needed them more.

Later in life, Cheri rediscovered the artist she had always been, finding joy in painting under the guidance of her dear friend Kelly.

She loved music, dancing, and countless adventures with her closest friend and faithful partner in crime, Judene.

Above all else, Cheri's greatest legacy is her family. She leaves behind five children-Lori, Jody, Todd, Amy, and Bonnie-along with twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through her children, each of whom carries a unique part of who she was.

Her oldest daughter, Lori, is the very image of her, proudly carrying on the family's treasured red hair.

Jody inherited Cheri's remarkable intuition and street wisdom, possessing an uncanny ability to read people and situations long before words are ever spoken.

Todd, whose charm always brought a smile to his mother's face, continues to honor his Oneida heritage by participating in tribal traditions, something that filled Cheri with immense pride.

Amy reflects her mother's generous heart perhaps more than anyone. Beautiful both inside and out, she shares Cheri's instinct to place the needs of others before her own. Cheri was known to give what she had to help someone in need, and Amy continues that same quiet spirit of selfless compassion.

Her youngest daughter, Bonnie, inherited her mother's adventurous spirit and wanderlust. Together they shared a love for the open road, music playing through the speakers, sunshine on their faces, and the peace that could only be found near the water. It is a love of life's simple joys that will forever remind her family of their mother, grandmother, and friend.

Through her children, twelve grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren, Cheri's courage, generosity, resilience, and love will continue to shape generations to come.