Cheryl Ann Hamilton McClaren, 70, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, formerly of Norwich, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2019 in her sleep at her home.
Cheryl was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to John Thomas Hamilton and Betty Jane Abbott Hamilton. Her parents moved to Greensburg, Kansas when she was a year old. She is a graduate of Greensburg High School and Wichita State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education.
Cheryl married her husband, Fredrick Thomas McClaren, in 1972 and moved to Norwich, Kansas, where she taught Band and Choir for 35 years. After Fred passed, Cheryl moved to Colorado Springs to live with her daughter, Sarah Moore, and Sarah’s husband, Joseph in 2010. Soon after, her son, Phillip McClaren, and his wife, Tamara, moved to Colorado Springs in 2017 to be closer to Cheryl. Cheryl enjoyed her retirement by traveling with friends, visiting family, playing her Tuba and other brass instruments in up to 9 local musical groups, spending time with her good friend, Gordon Curtis, and watching her beloved grandson, Liam Thomas Moore.
Cheryl is survived by her three sisters: Betty Jo Sunley (husband, Jim), Lisa Kay Cleveland (husband, Thomas) and Penny Sue Hodge (husband, David); son, Phillip Andrew McClaren (wife, Tamara Marie); daughter, Sarah Annette Moore (husband, Joseph Lee); and her beloved grandson, Liam Thomas Moore.
Two life celebrations are being planned: Saturday, September 28, 2019 in Colorado Springs (please contact family or Shrine of Remembrance for further information); and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Norwich Christian Church, 339 Main Street, Norwich, Kansas 67118. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Cheryl’s name may be made to bringingmusictolife.org.
Cheryl Stringham
15 Sep 2019My deepest sympathy. Prayers.
Judith Haig
15 Sep 2019Prayers for the family. I knew Cheryl since we were kids. Betty Jo and I were best friends. Cheryl will be missed by everyone who knew her. Until we meet again Cheryl at Jesus feet.
Ann Reinecke Rhea
15 Sep 2019I’m so sorry you have lost Cheryl. My prayers are with all of Cheryl’s family.
Rosemary Jackson
15 Sep 2019Prayers and hugs to all. I just can’t believe it. I have missed our walks and talks when were both in Norwich. ❤️
Anonymous
15 Sep 2019Love and prayers for all! Steve and Armella Ayres and families
Frank Coon
15 Sep 2019Started on flutaphone in 4th grade and choir and band through 12th. She worked very hard so we could travel to the state fair and other places like WSU band day when they still had football. She will be missed.
Michael and Jymi
15 Sep 2019I’m sorry for all of you! I only met Cheryl a few times and found her to be a very sweet lady! Blessings to all of you! Michael and Jymi!
Peggy Wambold
15 Sep 2019Sending prayers and love to your family. Classmate of Greensburg High School Class of 1968. Peggy M. Edwards Wambold
Vicki Surrett Montalvo
16 Sep 2019Deepest sympathy to Cheryl’s family on her passing. My family lived in Greensburg and 3 blocks away from the Hamilton’s. I graduated in 69 from GHS. My mother worked for Southwestern Bell and was friends with Betty. One of Cheryl’s students was a co worker of mine at Cobalt boats in Neodesha. Prayers for you all.
Terri Pederson
16 Sep 2019Cheryl kindness and friendliness will always remain in my memory. My condolences to Cheryl’s family and friends. Prayers for strength and comfort.
Kathi (Burkett) Vaughn
16 Sep 2019So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Cheryl as my high school music teacher. I know she will be greatly missed. I am glad to know she passed peacefully. God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
Kurt Henson
16 Sep 2019My music teacher and friend, thanks for the gift of music. Your song lives on…
John and Beth Kerr Athertonerton
16 Sep 2019Our thoughts and prayers to Cheryl’s family. My sister, Betty Jo Kerr Russell and Cheryl were life long friends from Greensburg, Kansas. After their husbands died, Cheryl and my sister flew to Alaska to spend time with us in our travel trailer. I have fond memories of our time together. May Cheryl and Fred, Mike and Betty Jo Russell Rest in Peace.
Karen Garver
17 Sep 2019Very sorry for your loss! So many memories from Norwich band & choir. Miss that great smile and her energy! Prayer and hugs to the family.
Kirby Hay, class of 78.
17 Sep 2019Oh My… Mrs McClaren was my music, choir n musical drama teacher. My Sincerest Condolences to her family.
Carmen Renfrow
21 Sep 2019I went to school with Cheryl from kindergarten thru 1st grades then 6th thru Senior year. Loved her smile, her sense of humor, and her acceptance of everyone. I will miss her. But we’ll all be together again; until then keep playing your music, Cheryl!!
Craig & Beverly Harms
27 Sep 2019Cheryl was the epitome of a “Kansas” girl – great sense of humor and love of family. Her love of music and education was an impression on her students. Her love of playing tuba and euphonium reached us in Colorado where she was a member of many musical groups, including our Woodland Park Wind Symphony. Cheryl’s laugh and smile were infectious! She was a wonderful grandma to Liam! We miss Cheryl and want Sarah and Phil and her family to know how much people loved and respected Cheryl. Love you, Craig and Bev Harms
Candice Lewis Thimesch
28 Sep 2019Had lots of fun in band and choir. We traveled a lot in junior high school and high school with Mrs. McClaren. Great memories!
Thanks for the memories, Cheryl.
My condolences to you all!
Candice Lewis Thimesch
Candice Lewis Thimesch
28 Sep 2019Thinking about the memories and the band trips. Marching in the heat and the sleet! Cheryl poured all of her energy into our music classes and our experiences, like concerts, trips, contests, and our training/practicing. I appreciate her for that.
Dave Arvizu
28 Sep 2019Always enjoyed talking to Cheryl when she would come into Meeker Music.
She enjoyed all the different community bands she was involved with too.
Great lady that will be missed.
Ruth Johnson
28 Sep 2019Thoughts & prayers are with your familys at this time, Many fond
memories of Cheryl. I’ve know her at Norwich since 1973. Then
the past 8 & 9 yrs, became special friend to me, as we took trips together,
many fun times ! She was a special & fun , friendly lady. She is missed.
Anonymous
28 Sep 2019Sorry for your loss, One great & fun lady, Cheryl will be missed greatly.