Cheryl Dee Fenton, 72, passed away January 2, 2023. She was a long time resident of Seymour. She was born December 23, 1950, in Huntingburg, IN to John R. Ziegler and Merties Baker Ziegler, who preceded her in death. She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Haysville, IN. She was first unitedContinue Reading
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Cheryl Dee Fenton, 72, passed away January 2, 2023. She was a long time resident of Seymour.
She was born December 23, 1950, in Huntingburg, IN to John R. Ziegler and Merties Baker Ziegler, who preceded her in death. She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Haysville, IN. She was first united in marriage to Levi E. Nigg in 1972 and the union was blessed with a daughter. On July 20, 1985, she married Thomas J. Fenton at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour. He preceded her in death on June 15, 2020. They were blessed with a son.
Survivors include one daughter, Jennifer Nigg (Randy Clark) of Madison; one son, Andrew J. Fenton (Rachel Hickman) of Seymour; two brothers, Ken Ziegler and Van Ziegler (Nancy) both of Jasper; two grandchildren, Molly Josephine Fenton and Linden Wade Hickman, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was a graduate of Dubois High School class of 1968. She later attended Indiana University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Masters degree in education. She was a life member of the IU Alumni Association.
Cheryl was a teacher for 46 years, working at Austin Junior High School and a majority of her career for Seymour Middle School as a seventh grade Language Arts teacher. She was also a former owner of Apple Auto Sales.
She served as President of the Seymour Education Association for 29 years, as well as serving as board member and Council President of the ISTA Board of Directors. She was an ISTA Retired life member.
Cheryl was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader, United Way Board President, and both member and past president of the Delta Kappa Gamma Education Society.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, as well as a vacation bible school teacher and coordinator.
Visitation will be from 4-8PM, Friday, at Voss & Sons Funeral Home, 316 N. Chestnut Street, Seymour. Rev. James Rodriguez, Jr. will officiate a funeral service at 2PM, Saturday, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S Walnut Street, Seymour, IN 47274. She will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Seymour.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Read Jackson County PO Box 368, Seymour, IN 47274, Girls Inc, 956 N Obrien St, Seymour, IN 47274, or to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S Walnut Street, Seymour, IN 47274.
You are invited to read Cheryl’s online obituary at www.vossfuneralservice.com, where you may sign the online register book or leave a condolence for the family.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Cheryl Dee Fenton, please visit our Tribute Store.
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3 trees were planted in memory of Cheryl Fenton 
Geof Mahl
left a message on April 1, 2023:
I worked with Mrs. Fenton (I always use last names for teachers) and remember her fondly. She was an excellent teacher and driven to bring out the best in her students. I am so sorry that I did not hear about her passing until now. I will miss her.
Robert and Sally Bartlett
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Cheryl's passing leaves a hole in the lives of everyone she touched, which must be a great many people. She was a beautiful person.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Cheryl Fenton . Plant a Tree
Mackenzie Cockerham
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Mrs. Fenton was my 7th grade english teacher,so sad to hear this. Prayers for the family
Lorie (Rieckers) Carter
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny & Andrew,
Sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I enjoyed being in her class at the Seymour Middle School & seeing her down the street on New Ford Road. She loved talking about both of you & her students. Sher will be missed big time. Hold onto the memories with her & look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Lorie (Rieckers) Carter
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny & Andrew,
Sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I enjoyed being in her class at the Seymour Middle School & seeing her down the street on New Ford Road. She loved talking about both of you & her students. Sher will be missed big time. Hold onto the memories with her & look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Beverly J Ruddick
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny and Andrew! So sorry for the loss of your Mom! My friend of over 50 years. Have worked with her in the Reading Lab at Seymour Middle School and other jobs too. She was a great person! A great friend! I will really miss her.
Blake Robinson
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny, so sorry for your loss. Your mother was always like our class mother. She was a very sweet lady, that I have a lot of Immanuel memories of.
Blake Robinson
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny, so sorry for your loss. Your mother was always like our class mother. She was a very sweet lady, that I have a lot of Immanuel memories of.
Paula Swengel
left a message on January 6, 2023:
There was never a moment that I spent around Cheryl that she wasn't upbeat and willing to help you anyway she could. My daughter also learned to love reading in her classroom. My daughter still has the book Cheryl have her in middle school many years ago. Cheryl's sweet smile and staunch avocation for public education will be missed. Prayers to you all.
Kalah Gallapoo
left a message on January 6, 2023:
We all have a teacher or two from our past that drastically changed our lives for the better.
Mrs. Fenton was one of mine. She saved my love of reading and writing when the previous English teacher I had seemingly went out of her way to kill it. I had been in advanced English courses and making A‘s in them my entire academic career. But for some reason, my 6th grade teacher refused to recommend me for advanced English in 7th grade. I was the only person in my class she did that to. Even though I had an A in her class, she had made up her mind that I HAD to be in remedial English. 1 week into the school year, Mrs. Fenton asked what the hell I was doing in remedial and not advanced and fought to get me moved. The school wouldn’t do it, so she made extra assignments and activities for me specifically, so I could stay caught up with my AP peers and be put back in the advanced course the next year.
But that’s not all Mrs. Fenton did for me. She was a strong but gentle comfort when my great grandma died and my entire world fell apart. About the time my great grandma was admitted to the hospital, Mrs. Fenton had assigned a book report, the kind where she assigned a book for you to read. She pulled me aside, gave me ”The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck and said, “This book is an upper-level high school read, but I believe in you. I think you’ll like it.” I got halfway through the book when my great grandma passed. I was still only 2/3 of the way through the book when the report was due. I cried at her desk on the due date, apologizing profusely that it wasn’t done on time. She took my hand and told me to take as long as I needed on that book report. I had until the end of the school year. That book ended up being my comfort during that time, and I searched for YEARS to find my own copy to add to my bookshelf. I bought more books by Pearl S. Buck based on how much that book impacted me. I never would have found it or loved it without Mrs. Fenton introducing me to it.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but when I was teaching, Mrs. Fenton was one of my inspirations, and I looked to her example when my students needed comfort and time. I was able to help others because of how she helped me.
Rest in peace, Mrs. Fenton. And rest easy knowing how many lives your legacy will continue to touch.
Tom Waldkoetter
left a message on January 6, 2023:
Please accept our family’s deepest condolences. Cheryl was a cherished friend and co-worker for decades. Many wonderful Christmas memories, card games, and meals just to mention a few. Her thoughtfulness at birthdays and anniversaries will never be forgotten. You’re in our thoughts and prayers Jenny and Andrew.
Jerry & Rhonda Sutherland
left a message on January 5, 2023:
Jenny & Andrew,
We are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful person and we will all miss her. We won't be able to make it to the service as we are in Florida for winter but we wanted you to have our sympathy and love.
Jeffrey Lucas
left a message on January 5, 2023:
So sorry for this great loss, love from Jeff and Kathy Lucas.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Cheryl Fenton . Plant a Tree
Anonymous
left a message on January 5, 2023:
Thank you, Cheryl, for your friendship throughout the years. Jenny and Andrew-prayers of comfort.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Cheryl Fenton . Plant a Tree
Judy Briganti
left a message on January 5, 2023:
My deepest sympathy to Cheryl’s loving family. Her Indiana State Teachers Association family also grieves the loss of such a talented educator, tireless advocate and continually caring colleague. She was indeed a wonderful role model and will be greatly missed. As a past president of ISTA, I witnessed her ability to make a lasting positive difference…those memories and impacts will remain.
May loving memories bring comfort to her family always
Betty Gregory
left a message on January 5, 2023:
I loved this lady she was an awesome person I work with her 29 yes and really enjoyed her so so sorry for your loss praying for the family she sure is an Angel and will still be with you all God bless from The Gregory
Ruth Dwyer
left a message on January 5, 2023:
So sad to hear of Cheryl’s passing. I am forever grateful for her union leadership. I learned so much from her when I was a representative. My heart is with her friends and family.
Anonymous
left a message on January 4, 2023:
Our warmest condolences,
Simple Sorrows was purchased for the family of Cheryl Fenton by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Bonnie Wentworth
left a message on January 4, 2023:
Jenny & Andrew, et al, Although your Momma was called home sooner than expected, she was a true earthly servant who loved her God, her children and her community. What an amazing role model she’s been. Smile because she loved you both so much! We hope you can feel the support from all who both loved her & who love you! Prayers for strength as you miss her but celebrate her amazing life! Love, Bonnie & Nathan
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Geof Mahl
left a message on April 1, 2023:
I worked with Mrs. Fenton (I always use last names for teachers) and remember her fondly. She was an excellent teacher and driven to bring out the best in her students. I am so sorry that I did not hear about her passing until now. I will miss her.
Robert and Sally Bartlett
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Cheryl's passing leaves a hole in the lives of everyone she touched, which must be a great many people. She was a beautiful person.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Cheryl Fenton . Plant a Tree
Mackenzie Cockerham
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Mrs. Fenton was my 7th grade english teacher,so sad to hear this. Prayers for the family
Lorie (Rieckers) Carter
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny & Andrew,
Sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I enjoyed being in her class at the Seymour Middle School & seeing her down the street on New Ford Road. She loved talking about both of you & her students. Sher will be missed big time. Hold onto the memories with her & look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Lorie (Rieckers) Carter
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny & Andrew,
Sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I enjoyed being in her class at the Seymour Middle School & seeing her down the street on New Ford Road. She loved talking about both of you & her students. Sher will be missed big time. Hold onto the memories with her & look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Beverly J Ruddick
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny and Andrew! So sorry for the loss of your Mom! My friend of over 50 years. Have worked with her in the Reading Lab at Seymour Middle School and other jobs too. She was a great person! A great friend! I will really miss her.
Blake Robinson
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny, so sorry for your loss. Your mother was always like our class mother. She was a very sweet lady, that I have a lot of Immanuel memories of.
Blake Robinson
left a message on January 7, 2023:
Jenny, so sorry for your loss. Your mother was always like our class mother. She was a very sweet lady, that I have a lot of Immanuel memories of.
Paula Swengel
left a message on January 6, 2023:
There was never a moment that I spent around Cheryl that she wasn't upbeat and willing to help you anyway she could. My daughter also learned to love reading in her classroom. My daughter still has the book Cheryl have her in middle school many years ago. Cheryl's sweet smile and staunch avocation for public education will be missed. Prayers to you all.
Kalah Gallapoo
left a message on January 6, 2023:
We all have a teacher or two from our past that drastically changed our lives for the better.
Mrs. Fenton was one of mine. She saved my love of reading and writing when the previous English teacher I had seemingly went out of her way to kill it. I had been in advanced English courses and making A‘s in them my entire academic career. But for some reason, my 6th grade teacher refused to recommend me for advanced English in 7th grade. I was the only person in my class she did that to. Even though I had an A in her class, she had made up her mind that I HAD to be in remedial English. 1 week into the school year, Mrs. Fenton asked what the hell I was doing in remedial and not advanced and fought to get me moved. The school wouldn’t do it, so she made extra assignments and activities for me specifically, so I could stay caught up with my AP peers and be put back in the advanced course the next year.
But that’s not all Mrs. Fenton did for me. She was a strong but gentle comfort when my great grandma died and my entire world fell apart. About the time my great grandma was admitted to the hospital, Mrs. Fenton had assigned a book report, the kind where she assigned a book for you to read. She pulled me aside, gave me ”The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck and said, “This book is an upper-level high school read, but I believe in you. I think you’ll like it.” I got halfway through the book when my great grandma passed. I was still only 2/3 of the way through the book when the report was due. I cried at her desk on the due date, apologizing profusely that it wasn’t done on time. She took my hand and told me to take as long as I needed on that book report. I had until the end of the school year. That book ended up being my comfort during that time, and I searched for YEARS to find my own copy to add to my bookshelf. I bought more books by Pearl S. Buck based on how much that book impacted me. I never would have found it or loved it without Mrs. Fenton introducing me to it.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but when I was teaching, Mrs. Fenton was one of my inspirations, and I looked to her example when my students needed comfort and time. I was able to help others because of how she helped me.
Rest in peace, Mrs. Fenton. And rest easy knowing how many lives your legacy will continue to touch.
Tom Waldkoetter
left a message on January 6, 2023:
Please accept our family’s deepest condolences. Cheryl was a cherished friend and co-worker for decades. Many wonderful Christmas memories, card games, and meals just to mention a few. Her thoughtfulness at birthdays and anniversaries will never be forgotten. You’re in our thoughts and prayers Jenny and Andrew.
Jerry & Rhonda Sutherland
left a message on January 5, 2023:
Jenny & Andrew,
We are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful person and we will all miss her. We won't be able to make it to the service as we are in Florida for winter but we wanted you to have our sympathy and love.
Jeffrey Lucas
left a message on January 5, 2023:
So sorry for this great loss, love from Jeff and Kathy Lucas.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Cheryl Fenton . Plant a Tree
Anonymous
left a message on January 5, 2023:
Thank you, Cheryl, for your friendship throughout the years. Jenny and Andrew-prayers of comfort.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Cheryl Fenton . Plant a Tree
Judy Briganti
left a message on January 5, 2023:
My deepest sympathy to Cheryl’s loving family. Her Indiana State Teachers Association family also grieves the loss of such a talented educator, tireless advocate and continually caring colleague. She was indeed a wonderful role model and will be greatly missed. As a past president of ISTA, I witnessed her ability to make a lasting positive difference…those memories and impacts will remain.
May loving memories bring comfort to her family always
Betty Gregory
left a message on January 5, 2023:
I loved this lady she was an awesome person I work with her 29 yes and really enjoyed her so so sorry for your loss praying for the family she sure is an Angel and will still be with you all God bless from The Gregory
Ruth Dwyer
left a message on January 5, 2023:
So sad to hear of Cheryl’s passing. I am forever grateful for her union leadership. I learned so much from her when I was a representative. My heart is with her friends and family.
Anonymous
left a message on January 4, 2023:
Our warmest condolences,
Simple Sorrows was purchased for the family of Cheryl Fenton by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Bonnie Wentworth
left a message on January 4, 2023:
Jenny & Andrew, et al, Although your Momma was called home sooner than expected, she was a true earthly servant who loved her God, her children and her community. What an amazing role model she’s been. Smile because she loved you both so much! We hope you can feel the support from all who both loved her & who love you! Prayers for strength as you miss her but celebrate her amazing life! Love, Bonnie & Nathan
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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