Obituary: Cheryl Jane (Mrachek) Meloche

Cheryl Jane (Mrachek) Meloche, September 20, 1951 – August 20, 2021 Cheryl Jane (Mrachek) Meloche, 69, of Prescott Valley, AZ passed away August 20, 2021. She was born in Boston, MA and raised in Winona, MN by her father, Edward Frank Mrachek and stepmother, Gladys Ione Mrachek.

Cheryl graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1969. In her early 20’s, she traveled extensively and lived in Morocco, British Columbia, and California. In her 30’s, she settled down in Arizona, initially in Phoenix. Cheryl earned both her undergraduate and Master of Social Work degrees from Arizona State University. Later, she settled in Prescott Valley, where she pursued her profession in counseling those in need. Throughout her professional career she was employed in the Prescott area at Mingus Mountain Academy, West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, and the Prescott VA Medical Center. Eventually, Cheryl and her late husband, Donald Smith, together opened a private counseling clinic in downtown Prescott.

Cheryl’s passions included gardening, camping, hiking, listening to music, and spending time with her dogs. She was easy going and made quite the “family of friends” while living over thirty years in the Prescott area. Cheryl will long be remembered for her kindness, tolerance, genuine concern for others, and true ability and willingness to listen.

Cheryl is survived by her long-time partner, Tedd A. Bennett, of Prescott Valley, AZ; son, Jason (Anna) Haack of Eagle Lake, MN; sister, Patricia (Frank) Caraglio of Carlsbad, CA; three grandchildren, Victoria (Brian) Kohler, Ronald Haack, and Amber Haack; grandson, Nolan Kohler; niece, Angela (Austin) Faringhy; and nephew, Michael Caraglio. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Donald Smith.

The family would like to recognize friends Dione and Tim Ormond and Tedd’s sister Sandra Miller, who provided Cheryl kindness and love when it was most needed.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Condolences may be sent to: Cheryl Meloche Family, C/O Tedd A. Bennett, 5237 N. Stetson Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314.

Cheryl will remain dearly loved and treasured forever by her family and many friends whose life she touched.

Information provided by family.