Cheryl Ann ‘Peaches’ Pendleton Knepper, age 64

It is with heartfelt sorrow, the family of Cheryl Ann ‘Peaches’ Pendleton Knepper, wife of Ivan Knepper, announce her passing on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at Baptist Health Medical Center, North Little Rock, from complications due to flu, diabetes, and a subdural hematoma. Peaches determined years ago to live a short, happy life over a long one eating healthily and exercising and at this she was successful. She was one in a million, so full of life, she had lived one hundred years in her first forty and was ready to rest in peace at any point from then on. She was an organ donor- provided they were able to find anything still in working condition.

Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on May 23, 1960, she was a daughter of the late Arthur Cleveland Pendleton and Dorothy (Henderson) Pendleton. Cheryl attended Kennebecasis Valley High School, she then attended nursing school in Saint John. Cheryl was employed at Saint John General Hospital for a brief period before she moved to the USA with her American husband. Cheryl led an adventurous life, moving to Indiana, Germany, and Arkansas as an Air Force wife. She travelled extensively and was able to tick off bucket list trips to Stonehenge and Egypt. She was the first to climb the Great Pyramid of Giza with 6 afghans worth of yarn on her back. She was a brilliant cook, despite putting sugar in her cornbread. She spent most days cooking, sewing, and crocheting and was skilled at any craft she turned her hand to. She was always ready to help any cause and even volunteered to crochet a soccer net for her daughters’ team.

After raising two children, Peaches was thrilled to welcome four grandchildren, and she made it her life’s mission to love them beyond all doubt. Cheryl’s greatest love after her grandchildren were her dachshunds. She missed her dog Tucker so much after his passing we know she will be rejoicing to be with him again. Cheryl was a force to be reckoned with, she adored her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Besides her loving husband of 44 years, Cheryl is survived by her mother Dorothy Pendleton of Rothesay, Canada, children; Jennifer Wells (Kevin) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Kelly Grundy (James) of Elmsett, Suffolk, UK, grandchildren; Beatrix Wells, Henry Wells, Ivy Grundy, and Toby Grundy, siblings; Stephen Pendleton (Johanne) and Lisa Pendleton as well as a large extended family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of A Natural State Funeral Service and Crematory, Jacksonville, AR. A private memorial service celebrating Cheryl’s life was held at 1400 South Arch Street on Saturday, February 22, 2025. For those who wish, remembrance may be made to Jacksonville Animal Shelter.