Cheryl Acock Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 30, 2016.

Cheryl Ann Acock, 61, of Eudora, died on July 27, 2016, after a decades-long courageous battle with illness.

Born on Nov. 15, 1954, the youngest child of James "Bud" and Anna Acock of Bonner Springs, Kan., she was the baby of the family had an idyllic childhood in the small tight-knit community. With cousins who lived around the corner, there was no shortage of fun. This also provided a built-in best friend. From school dances to other adventures, her cousin Paula Dickensheets Zarrillo was a constant companion. Cheryl's mother and father were dotting parents, who were highly active and respected in Bonner Springs, as well as within their church community (Community of Christ).

Cheryl attended Bonner Springs High School, graduating in 1972. She moved to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas, where she met James "Jim" Hobson. The couple married in 1982 and raised three children. They also took in four of her sister's children from 1983-1986, managing a house full of seven children. In 1989, the couple opened their hearts and their home again, taking in Jim's sister and her five children. While not rich on paper, they were rich in spirit and always made sure to provide for the children - complete with piles of presents under the tree on Christmas morning. Large family gatherings were a center of their lives with additional cousins, neighbors and friends always welcome in their home. The couple divorced in 1994, but remained friends.

Cheryl was close with her sister, Nancy, who helped care for her in recent months. As teenagers, the two would enjoy long drives together with loud music playing. In fact, the two still did this on a regular basis, up until a few months before her passing.

Cheryl was known for her strength. In 1990, she received shocking news that she had a large brain tumor. She underwent major brain surgery and survived, losing her sense of smell and taste in the process. But she didn't lose her sense of humor. Cheryl often joked about it, asking people to smell laundry or other things for her, and sometimes the joke was on them. She had a great laugh and big smile, even in the face of huge life-threatening obstacles. Cheryl not only survived the ordeal, but continued to fight recurrences and related illnesses for more than 26 years. In recent years, her health deteriorated ending with a courageous battle with stage-four cancer, with loved ones by her side.

Cheryl was also known for her caring spirit and generosity. A kind-hearted woman, she had a special place in her heart not only for people but also for animals. She is remembered as someone who, despite her battles and struggles, always remained the happiest and funniest person in the room.

Cheryl is survived by her three children, Sarah Acock of Lee's Summit, Mo., William "Artie" Hobson of Norfolk, Va., Joseph Hobson, of Phoenix; siblings Nancy Acock of Bonner Springs, Kan., and Larry Acock of Scottsdale, Az.; six grandchildren, Kendrick Hobson of Lawrence, Ayla and Samone Clark of Lees Summit, Amelia and Hailey Hobson of Phoenix, and Khaimril Hobson of Norfolk, Va.; and many nieces and nephews who were like her own children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Acock, of Camp Verde, Az.

Services for Cheryl Ann Acock will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Community of Christ Church, 901 Sheidley Ave. in Bonner Springs. The church was built by her father.

To help the family with funeral expenses, donations can be made at GoFundMe.com/CherylA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Cheryl Acock

What is your first memory of Cheryl?

Share a favorite memory you have of Cheryl.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Cheryl.

Describe a time when Cheryl made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Cheryl?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Cheryl.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Cheryl.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Cheryl.

What is something you learned from Cheryl?

Not sure what to say?

5 Entries

August 2, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Acock family. May God embrace you with his comfort, strength and peace. Psalm 29:11

~DHR

August 2, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

July 30, 2016

Dave, Marissa and I were so blessed to have Cheryl, Jim, Sarah, William and Joseph as our friends! All our love to the family!! Love you all!! Eternal souls!

Posted by

July 30, 2016

Patricia Bricker

Memory Eternal.

July 30, 2016

We grew up together; playmates as little girls. Always a sweet girl.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Cheryl Acock's name

Memorial Events
for Cheryl Acock

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Cheryl's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Cheryl Acock's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more