Cheryl A. (Lytle) Skeens, 71, of Lake Winnebago, MO left this earthly world on August 6, 2022 after a courageous, lengthy, and complicated health journey, at Kansas City Hospice House surrounded by “her people”.
Cheryl’s journey began May 27, 1951, first-born, daughter to the late Robert A. and Carmen Lytle.
Cheryl graduated from Raytown High School before attending Longview Community College where she earned her Associates Degree in Legal Secretary. She launched an exciting career as an Executive Secretary at Parkview-Gem Inc. followed by 10 years as a Legal Secretary II, for UAW Ford Legal specializing in wills, estate planning, adoptions, guardianships and probate. Following her years at UAW, Cheryl worked as the Secretary for Faith Presbyterian Church of Raytown, MO. Career-minded and tech savvy, Cheryl never stopped, taking on the role of Administrative/Clerical Assistant for Skeens Consulting, LLC in 2011, supporting her husband Michael Skeens, PE until recent months due to her health journey limitations.
First and foremost ahead of her career goals, Cheryl was a devoted and loving mother. She truly treasured her children and embraced every moment with them, supporting their passions and activities to the fullest. In support of their passions, she became a true fan and supporter of all things music and pageantry arts, traveling the country to catch a mere 10 minute performance. Not a concert, contest, gig, or performance was missed by Cheryl well into her children’s adult years. Her passion for the arts went beyond her children as Cheryl, lovingly referred to as “Mama Skeens” organized fundraising events and traveled with the Sky Ryders Winter Guard for 10 years.
Cheryl’s creative spirit, zest for life, joy in traveling and love for her husband and family were beyond measurable. And we take comfort in knowing she is free of pain and at peace.
Three years ago in Cheryl’s journey she had a brain tumor behind her pituitary gland. In a delicate surgery they were able to removed part of it which gave her some relief from her depression. Several family members, close friends and neighbors have been lost or suffering from brain conditions. With that in mind Cheryl’s family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to the Head for the Cure Foundation.