Cheryl (Cheri) M. Gaston

CHERI M. GASTON, age 71, of Eaton, OH, died Thursday November 28, 2019 at Hospice of Dayton, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with Metaplastic Breast Cancer.  Born February 19, 1948 in Terre Haute, IN.  She was the daughter of the late Elver and Gloria (Carrico) Gaston.  Cheri graduated in 1966 from Northmont High School in Clayton, OH, where her excellence in honors math earned her an academic scholarship to Miami University, Oxford, OH. Deciding to forgo college after just one year, she elected to pursue her initial dream of becoming one of the first local female mail carriers with the Dayton, (OH), US Postal Service, after acing her required Civil Service test with a very impressive 99 percentile.

 “I always thought being a mail carrier would be a fun job, being outside, not cooped up in an office all day, everybody loves getting their mail, right?” Cheri’s love for the job of making sure people received their mail in an efficient and expedient way, led her to stay for a whopping 35 years. Being the oldest of six siblings, she was known by the rest of us as being the exciting and adventurous big sister.  Her kind-manner, generosity, love and acceptance of all people allowed her to make friends easily, many of her dearest are still nearby. She lived for the thrill of life itself, so seemingly carefree, radio blasting, cruising through town in one of her many classic convertible Mustangs, her blonde hair flaming behind. Attending, literally 100’s of Rock Concerts, snorkeling and swimming with the Manatees in the Cayman Islands. skydiving, riding motorcycles, whatever would make Cheri laugh, scream or smile would constitute pure fun for her. 

She was a very strong minded, independent and self-reliant gal, who always insisted on going dutch, much to the surprise of her dates.  She was a lover of animals, rescuing and caring for countless numbers.  A brilliant mind, with a big heart, who enjoyed, sewing her own clothes, a daily crossword puzzle, The Beatles, NASCAR, her beloved Cleveland Browns, musical and celebrity trivia, anything purple, volunteering to walk the neighborhood dogs, her beautiful flower gardens and bountiful tomato harvests, so she could give them away to her wonderful neighborhood friends.  She appreciated and loved her family & friends deeply, regardless of any differences of opinion or ideology.  She also, cherished and adored her four surviving feline companions, Marmalade, Shylo, Cinderella & Merlin, who comforted her through those most difficult days. 

Preceded in death by her parents, Gloria C. Gaston (2008), Elver D. Gaston (2014) of Eaton, OH.   Survived by her siblings and spouses, Janis & Cory Stophlet of Smyrna, Tennessee, Duane Gaston of Nicholasville, Kentucky, Sheila Gaston of Greely, Colorado, Doug & Lana Gaston of Yellow Springs, Ohio and Darryl Gaston of West Chester, OH; niece, Stacy Gaston of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Numerous cousins and friends. 

Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Barnes Funeral Home, 220 East Main Street Eaton, OH. Interment will be held in Royal Oak Memorial Gardens, Brookville, Ohio at the convenience of the family. Memorial Contributions may be made to Preble County Humane Society 951 South Barron Street Eaton, Ohio 45320. Condolences at www.barnesfuneralhome.com