In the early hours of Wednesday morning, September 9, 2026, Cheryl Ann (Finley) Esparza, 71, of Hot Springs passed suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving her family and loved ones stunned and grief stricken.

She was an avid reader, most content in a comfortable spot with a good book.  She loved classic movies and listening to 70’s and 80’s rock, particularly Queen.  She could spend hours laughing at episodes of The Three Stooges she had already watched dozens of times. Curly was her favorite Stooge. She was seldom bested in trivia, especially excelling in pop culture knowledge.  She was soft-spoken and kind, and believed that one could never have too many shoes.  She was a wife and mother, sister and friend, but the title she cherished most was that of “Granna.”  Even just talking about her grandchildren changed her face- her eyes lit up, her smile grew wider.  And as long as she was interacting with them, the smile remained.  When asked to describe her in one word, her eldest grandson instantly replied, “loving.” It’s a word she would be touched to be remembered by.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother, Emma Malvena Heinemann Finley, and her father, Jesse Franklin Finley.  She is survived by her husband of almost 20 years, Richard Esparza, children Jodie (Shawn) Hutchings and Eric (Zeljka) Conklin, stepdaughter Sandi, grandchildren Elijah and Ronin, step grandchildren Ari and Justina, brother Roger (Tricia) Finley, sister Debbie (David) Osborne, and nieces Sarah Allen, Laura Finley, and Samm Osborne.

Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com