Cheryl (Cheri) Ann Ladd, age 65, of Merino, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Greeley, CO surrounded by her immediate family.  A celebration of Cheri's life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:00am at the Mitchek Events Center, 1120 Pawnee Ave., Sterling, CO, with a meal to follow – a fitting tribute to someone whose warmth and friendship was so often shared through her cooking.

Cheri (Fuller) Ladd was born on May 13, 1960, in Hays, Kansas to Robert Fuller and Delores (Matzek) Perrill. On April 1, 1967, her mom married her forever dad, Elmer Perrill, in Cozad, Nebraska. The foundation of family, however it came together, was always central to Cheri's life.

Cheri married Chris Lengfelder in 1977 and lived in Grand Island, Nebraska, where they welcomed three children, Charles (Chas) Lengfelder, Carlye (Lengfelder) Armstrong, and Cara (Lengfelder) Trujillo. On September 5, 1992, Cheri married the love of her life and best friend, Perry Ladd.  From this union, Cheri added another child, her stepson, Travis Ladd. This September would have marked 33 years of marriage – a partnership rooted in love, shared adventures, and often, the thrill of the racetrack.

Together, Cheri and Perry built a life in Merino, Colorado, where Cheri found joy not only in small-town community and cherished friendships, but in the simple rhythm of everyday life. Yet nothing brought Cheri more joy and pride than her role as "Grandma Cheri" to her eight grandchildren: Kyle Lengfelder, Jenna Shalla, Peyton Marlow, Paige Marlow, Pierce Marlow, Kendyll Armstrong, Lily Armstrong, and Finley Ladd. They were, without question, the center of her world.

If you knew Cheri, you knew her cooking. But recipes? Those lived in her head and her heart. From her legendary homemade salsa and beef tongue tacos to chicken and noodles that really would comfort your soul, her meals were an act of love. She improvised more than she measured, and her family and friends were her lucky recipients.  But when it came to baked goods, that was another story.  "Too much precision," she'd say, preferring the freedom of a stove and a dash of creativity.

Cheri's second home was at the racetrack. Thoroughbred horse racing wasn't just a hobby, it was a passion she shared with Perry. When their horse B. Seger won his first race at Fonner Park, she beamed with pride. Over the years, she found joy and community in the racing circles of Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus, Kansas City, and Denver. She made numerous friends who became extended family.

For Cheri, Fonner Park, in particular, was her favorite. She loved her visits with her mom, sister Pam, brother Chuck, and her kids. Betting on the horses, catching up with old friends, welcoming new ones, and soaking in the energy of the track – these were some of Cheri's happiest times. And always, Perry nearby, checking in between races, sharing tips, and adding to the fun.

A loyal Nebraska fan through-and-through, Cheri rarely missed a football game.  And in later years, Nebraska volleyball ranked high on her list too, thanks to her granddaughters. Cheri shared her love for watching games with her family, and her home was a haven for her grandkids, where root beer floats could be breakfast, scrambled eggs were always ready, and chicken and noodles cured everything. She was the kind of grandmother who put a bit of magic into ordinary days.

Cheri wove together a loving family who survives her: her husband, Perry Ladd; son, Chas Lengfelder (Anita); daughter, Carlye Armstrong (Jerod "Duck"); daughter, Cara Trujillo (Ruben); and stepson, Travis Ladd (Shannon). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Kyle Lengfelder (Tawny), Jenna Shalla (Colton), Peyton Marlow, Paige Marlow, Pierce Marlow, Kendyll Armstrong, Lily Armstrong, and Finley Ladd. Her siblings, Mike Fuller (Marie), Ron Fuller, Chuck Fuller, and Pam Doty (Doug), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Cheri was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Delores Perrill, and Robert and Lillian Fuller; sister-in-law Rhonda Fuller; and parents-in-law Rex and Sharon Ladd.

In lieu of flowers, please make check payable to Perry Ladd.

Cheri lived a life of love, laughter, and loyalty – a woman who fed, cheered, and fiercely supported those she held dear. Her story lives on in the meals remembered, the memories shared at the racetrack, and the family whose lives she shaped with quiet strength and endless heart.