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Cherri Jean (Styren) Carney
November 14, 1961 -- January 23, 2021
Cherri left us far too early on January 23rd at the age of 59. She passed away due to complications with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, 3 months and 1 day after her initial diagnosis. Cherri did not suffer and went calmly while surrounded by her loved ones. While we had greater plans for her here on Earth and wished for more time, God works in funny ways and obviously had even better things for her in Heaven.
Cherri was born November 14th 1961 in Chester, MT to Gene and Mary (McDunn) Styren. At the age of three, Cherri’s family moved to Sunburst, MT where she spent her youth growing up in the small community with her 3 best friends. She spent her days raising hell with Mary Ann (Suta) Watters, Rona (Harlan) Costa, and Barb Moye. She later graduated from North Toole County High School in 1980, the same year Mount St. Helens blew. Due to the amount of ash in the air, their senior keg was moved inside the high school.Upon graduation, Cherri married Brad Thorne and moved to Kansas. While the marriage was short lived, from this union she had her son Cory in 1983. Shortly after, Cherri and Cory moved back home to Sunburst, MT. In 1985 Cherri then married Tom Simons of Shelby, MT. From this union Katelynn and Dillon were born in 1990 and 1992.
Cherri graduated from U of M in 1995 with a degree in accounting. She used this degree working at First Citizens Bank, Wells Fargo, and for the past 13 years at First Interstate bank. She loved working at FIB with her FIB family and was proud of her work and the appreciation the bank showed for its employees.
Summer of 2000, Cherri leaned over to scratch a strangers back at Bugzys bar. This moment would end up changing her life forever. This innocent back scratch led to a life giving friendship and her eventual marriage in 2003 to John Carney.
In the fall of 2000, John and Cherri bought their little house on the prairie, moving from city life in Billings to “The Project”. Their house wasn’t what most people would have wanted, but it was perfectly simple and homey. John and Cherri eventually married June 28th, 2003 in Huntley, MT. This union completed a beautifully blended family and together they had and helped raise a total of five children between them. While these early years of marriage were trying years, and the kids all ran Mom through the ringer, in the end us kids all turned out pretty good. Cherri was very proud of what her and John’s kids grew into. Cherri was most definitely a strong mother and wife, and the marriage that John and Cherri had was one that people looked up to. These two were not only married, but were also each other’s best friend. If they were not busy working, they were together by choice and by love.
Well, 2003 proved to be quite a busy year, as it was also the year the great remodel started. To date, the remodel still isn’t finished. But, in mom’s honor we will hold John to his promise. He will not get his shop built until the remodel has been completed. Also, we will make sure John keeps her beloved new car washed.
Cherri also loved playing in her pool and dart leagues for many years. She also would not miss attending Wednesday “Tea Time with the Ladies.” While no tea manufactures stock prices went up from these weekly meetings, Bud Light or R&R’s likely did. Cherri didn’t ever miss a Packers game or the opportunity to cheer on Kyle Busch while watching Nascar races. Cherri also loved spending time in her large garden, and all of the canning come fall. She lived, too, for the evenings that’s her and John would go down and fish the Yellowstone. Mom loved many things, but coveted her time with her grandkids. She was looking forward to retirement in a couple of years so she would have lots of time to spend with them and watch them grow.
Cherri enjoyed her volunteer activities, as well. Just watch out for the cook in the kitchen! Everyone knew to get out of her way when she helped cook at the VFW Post and Auxillary #7407. She always looked forward to helping out with the festivities for both the Memorial and Veteran’s Day events.
Cherri is preceded in death by her Father Gene Styren, Mother Mary (McDunn) Styren, who Cherri selflessly cared for in her last 13 years on Earth. Also preceded by paternal grandparents Clarence and Bertha (Armstrong) Styren and maternal grandparents LeRoy and Marie (Qnell) McDunn. Lastly, she is preceded by her baby brother, Richard Styren as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides of her family.
Cherri leaves behind many who will miss her deeply, including her best friend and husband John Carney. Her son, Cory (Meaghan) Simons and their kids: Evan, Neal, Braxton, Kwincee, Burklee and Thomas. Her daughter, Kristin (Jim) Soldano. Her son, Sean (Cassie) Carney. Her daughter, Katelynn Walsh and her kids: Axleigh and Ryker. Her son, Dillon (Shay) Simons. She is also leaving behind her mother and father In-law: Janice and Gerry Olson. Not to mention, all of John’s siblings, their spouses, and families. Cherri, as the baby of the family, leaves behind her siblings; Brother Francis (Suzanne) Styren, sister’s Anita (Steve) VanHoy, Diane (Russ) Sobieray, Margaret (Tommy) Nelson and Marie Ryan along with many nieces and nephews. Not to mention the extended family from the Styren and McDunn sides. We also can’t forget Silver, her dog. Silver was the only dog ever allowed to live in the house.
Our Family would like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to CBCI Oncology at Presbyterian St. Luke in Denver, CO. All of the doctors and nurses there are simply the best. As noted in her journal, Cherri greatly appreciated the care they provided and the amazing people they were in the midst of her hardest battle.
The family also wants to thank Dr. Woody Jones and the staff of the ICU floor at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. This staff did everything they could and tirelessly fought to keep her alive, just as Cherri had requested. They worked hard while also being realistic and honest.
Special thanks also to Untied Luv (www.unitedluv.com) for the generous donation of an IPAD. This device enabled communication with Cherri and her family, while also allowing her to pass the time by playing games and watching movies while in the hospital for treatments. Due to Covid, no one was allowed to see Cherri, but the IPAD was a blessing that provided the connection we all so desperately needed.
A celebration of life is planned for June 19th, 2021 At Cherri and John’s property (2330 South 26th Road, Ballantine, MT) weather dependent. If weather is an issue, the celebration will be held at the VFW in Worden MT. The family will post more details of the events 2 weeks prior in the newspaper and on social media. You may also contact any family or friends of Cherri for further details.
If you would like to make a donation in Cherri’s name, she had requested it be to Huntley Project VFW/AUX, P.O. Box 62, Worden, MT 59088.
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