Cheryl Lee (Murphy) Winter

Cheryl Lee Winter, 69, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester. She was born on May 10, 1955, in Independence, the daughter of Bud and Sally (Higgins) Murphy. Cheryl was raised and educated in Independence and graduated from Independence High School in 1976. After graduation Cheryl attended Hawkeye Tech and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Her primary job was supply and logistics but volunteered also as a member of the base level Honor Guard for six years. Throughout her Air Force career both active duty and civil service she had been stationed all over the United States as well as Germany and South Korea. Cheryl received several commendation medals through her service. She was honorably discharged in August of 1985.

On December 20, 1985, Cheryl was united in marriage to Bill Winter in Germany. As a civil servant serving with the Air Force, she was awarded 99th Supply Squadron’s Profession Provider Award in 1994, 1995, 1997 as well as 99th Supply Squadron Civilian of the Year Award in 1997. Cheryl worked as a Special Needs Para Educator for several years at Starmont School. She volunteered at the Strawberry Press Journal and was a member and secretary of the Strawberry Point American Legion. She received her Quilt of Valor in honor of her service in November 2023. Cheryl is currently the President of the Strawberry Point Lions Club and is a recipient of the Iowa Lions Foundation Warren Coleman Award and the International Linos foundation Melvin Jones Award.

Cheryl had a beautiful heart and was a servant to others.  She was a talented seamstress including quilting. Cheryl enjoyed baking, and spending time with Bill and her dogs. In Cheryl and Bill’s life together, they have dedicated their lives to serving their country and helping others to include being a small dogs rescue.

Survivors include her husband of 39 years, Bill Winter of Strawberry Point; two sisters, Patty Webster of Cedar Rapids and Kelly (Randy Jones) Murphy of Cedar Rapids; three sisters-in-law, Nancy Murphy of Winthrop, Chris Murphy of Independence, and Billie Jean Kovalchek of Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Tom Holcomb of California; many nieces and nephews, and several step grandchildren.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Ray Murphy, Sheila Holcomb, and Mike Murphy.

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