Cheri Lea Bishop

Cheri Lea Bishop, 55, of Ottawa, KS, passed away on the 25th of May, 2026.

Born on May 8, 1971 in Ottawa, KS, she was the child of Eddie and Betty Payne. Cheri attended Ottawa High School. At the time of her passing, she worked for Franklin County.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Bishop, mother Betty Payne, sister Deann (Jamie) Farrell, her children Jeffrey (Bethany) Gragg, Brandi (Scott) Groeneveld, and Melani Gragg, step-children Kimberly (Kane) Rahman, Kenzie Bishop, Travis Bishop, and Courtney Fisher, her grandchildren Daelynn, Rico, Liam, and Maverick, her cousins Angela and Billy Clancy and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Eddie Payne, grandmother Gladys Ledom and grandfather Barney Ledom, and her uncles Kenny and Terry Ledom.

Cheri was known by many for her love of animals, her big heart, and her ability to make everyone laugh. She had a playful nature that lit up every room and she enjoyed playing harmless pranks on family and friends. Cheri’s first priority was always those she loved. She was known for giving gifts on a whim, just because she saw it and thought of you – a testament to her ability to make her loved ones feel seen.

Her family and friends will remember how quick she was to help and the way it felt to be in her orbit. She knew how to have fun, work hard, and love harder. She will always be remembered for the incredible mom and grandma she was. In every happy dog, Mickey Mouse, and giant pretzel, she’ll be remembered. Cheri often told her family “love you most, always and forever” and through the imprint she left on those lucky enough to know her, she will live on in our hearts – always and forever.

A visitation will be held 6-8pm, Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Dengel and Son Mortuary, 235 South Hickory Street, Ottawa, Kansas.

To share your memories of Cheri or to send a special condolence message to her family, please visit the guestbook below.