Petersburg Pilot -

A force of nature, strong, independent, inspirational, fiercely loyal, spunky, and fun to be around, these are just a few words friends and family use to describe Cherie, who died peacefully at home in Camas Washington on Sunday November 1, 2020.

Growing up Catholic in Petersburg, Alaska with her parents, Frank and Phyllis Richmond (deceased), and her younger brother, John Richmond of Juneau, was a source of great pride for Cherie. She had a mischievous side and loved telling stories about her childhood adventures including jumping off the bridge at Blind Slough, making forts out of hay bales at a nearby barn and sneaking out through her bedroom window..."such was life in the Far North".

She took pleasure in her off-the-wall sayings which her family called Cherie-isms, many of which she developed during childhood and only made sense to her. They were incredibly endearing to her family and friends and always got a laugh.

Cherie married her college sweetheart, Steve Ebmeyer, over 50 years ago, and had two children, who she loved wholeheartedly, Carrie Hancock of Phoenix, AZ and Mark of Portland, OR.

Her grandchildren, Ben Hancock (15) and Cole Hancock (12) of Phoenix and Mark Roach (15) of Portland adored their Nana, and she was extremely proud of them. Aunt Cherie leaves behind 6 beloved nieces and nephews and their spouses.

Cherie taught her children and grandchildren numerous card games, how to properly put together Jigsaw puzzles (border, then sky), and how to pack a suitcase, car and dishwasher with maximum efficiency.

There was "no rest for the wicked" when Cherie was traveling, skiing (preferably in Europe) and playing golf with friends, three things for which she always made time and had plenty of "running away from home money". Her decades long friendship and employment by Michael G. Conner, CPA allowed her these freedoms because her salary was her money and Steve's salary was their money.

She was "in hog heaven" when watching sports, particularly baseball, golf and college basketball. A member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Cherie rooted passionately for Oregon State, her alma mater, (Class of 1970, Accounting) and just as passionately against "that other team down the road".

To say that Cherie will be missed is an enormous understatement. Her smile, quick wit, positive nature and competitive spirit live on in her loved ones, and those "–isms" are not only family lore, but a living legacy for family and friends alike.

Celebrations of Cherie's life are being planned for Spring 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dress for Success Oregon and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Hospice Vancouver.