Cheryl Kaye Gruner, 80
Born on July 18, 1944, in Yakima, Washington, Cheryl was the daughter of Roland and Luella Eastham. She grew up in central Washington and graduated from Ephrata High School in 1962. With a passion for learning and a heart for teaching, she attended Washington State University and then Montana State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education.
After graduating from MSU she married Marvin (Skip) Gregoire in 1966. Cheryl and Skip had two children Richard and Yvonne. Both kids were born while the couple travelled the States following Skip's Army Career. Richard was born at Ft. Sill, OK in 1967 and Yvonne was born 1972 at Ft. Rucker, AL. The family moved back to Ephrata in the mid 70's.
Cheryl dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds as an educator. Over the years, she taught students from elementary through high school across Washington State and Kansas. Her commitment to education left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues throughout her career which spanned nearly 50 years. She started teaching high school English in Quincy WA in 1968 and taught into her 70s subbing in Moses Lake.
Beyond the classroom, Cheryl found joy in simple pleasures. She loved shopping, baking and playing piano. There was a special place in her heart for her beloved pets, Mocha and Precious. Her home was always filled with her favorite pictures of the grandkids and great grandchildren.
Cheryl was a devoted family member and is remembered lovingly by her brother Richard Eastham; her sister Theresa McCallum; her son Richard Gregoire and daughter-in-law Erica Gregoire; her daughter Yvonne McMackin and son-in-law Dru McMackin; and her cherished grandchildren Emily, Lana, Canon, Jolie, and Amelie.
She was preceded in death by her parents Roland and Luella Eastham and by her husband Steve Gruner.
Cheryl lived a full life as a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and educator. Her memory will continue to bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
Services will be held Saturday 7/12/25, 11 am at the St. Martin's Episcopal Church 416 E. Nelson Rd in Moses Lake, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, any donations to St. Martin's Episcopal Church.
Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at
www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.
Published by Columbia Basin Herald on Jul. 11, 2025.