Cheryle Lynn Crippen, age 77, of Butte, Montana, passed away on December 7, 2023, after a brief illness, with her entire family by her side. Cheryle was born in Butte, Montana, to Tim and Dorothy (Stearn) Harrington, on November 22, 1946. She was raised in Butte alongside her two younger brothers, Timothy “Scott” and Mark.
Growing up, Cheryle participated in modern dance and was in the Top 16, a singing group at Butte High. Cheryle was also a member of the Purple Bees where she twirled the baton; she especially enjoyed performing at half time for football games. She graduated from Butte High School in 1965. Cheryle had many friends as an adolescent – this continued her entire life because of her outgoing personality.
After high school she attended Montana Tech for a year and a half continuing on to graduate from Butte Business College. Once college was complete, she went to work for Legal Services as a secretary. This is where she met Bob Crippen. The two married in 1972. Once Bob and Cheryle were married, she started selling Mary Kay. Because of her outgoing nature, she enjoyed this work and excelled at it.
Bob brought two children, Shelli and Rob, to the marriage. It was a ready-made family that she embraced with all her heart. They were blessed with their son, Curtis “Skippy”, in 1975, making their family complete. Raising the children, they made many good memories at their cabin at Echo Lake. Their home was always open to their children’s friends as well. Many good times were had over the years as a family and Cheryle’s home is still the place that people gather.
Cheryle was a socialite. She and Bob attended events and had parties; their home was always open to friends and family. Even the golfers knew to stop in for a beer on their way by the house on the course. Cheryle loved to travel and went on many fabulous trips with Bob over the years. Once she was on the plane she knew she was free, and the fun was about to begin. She and Bob also went to many Super Bowls with their friends. Cheryle so enjoyed all the time she spent with her brother Mark, and cousins, Nancy and Ray, listening to music and having cocktails. She had a group of women she played golf with for many years and, until her death, Cheryle looked forward to her monthly lunch date with her high school classmates.
Cheryle never said a bad thing about anyone. She was the sweetest, most compassionate lady you could ever meet. Her in-laws even called her “Goody” because of her sweetness; “Practically perfect in every way”. Her family will miss her loving smile, how sweet she was, that she was always glad to see you, and that she would always wait up for her children, no matter how old they were.
Cheryle was preceded by her husband, Bob Crippen; her parents Tim and Dorothy Harrington; brother, Scott Harrington; and in-laws, Ho-Ho and Crippy.
Cheryle is survived by her children, Shelli Crippen, Rob Crippen, and Skip Crippen; brother, Mark Harrington; cousins, Nancy Paynich, Ray Becky, and many more, too numerous to mention; grandchildren, Richie (Heidi) O’Brien, Joey (Brooke) O’Brien, Casey (Hannah) Crippen, and Lea (Josh) Lawson; great grandchildren, Gunnar, Hugh, Noah, Kellen, and Eli; and her dog, Bear.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Butte Country Club, 3400 Elizabeth Warren Ave.. The Celebration of Her Life service will follow beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the club. Cheryle will be laid to rest beside her husband, Bob Crippen, at Mountain View Cemetery on Harrison Ave. during a private ceremony for family at a later date.
The Crippen family would like to give special thanks to Raquel Greer, for her compassion and care of Cheryle in her last days, and for the support Highlands Hospice provided. Memorials in honor of Cheryle are suggested to the foundation of the donor’s choice as she had many causes she cared for.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Cheryle. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Cheryle and her family.
Jean Piercy says
Sincere condolences to the family lots of cherished memories.
Maureen Harrington Britton says
I am so sorry for your loss of this wonderful human being, my cousin Cheryle. Your mom was the dearest sweetest thing always. I have so many wonderful memories of her from the time we were small children. She and her brothers and Uncle Tim and Aunt Dorothy were part of our Lives always. Cheryle and I have had some wonderful visits over the last several years. It is true, that she was so welcoming. I will miss her terribly. I know you all will miss her too. Rest in peace, dear sweet Cheryle.
Ray Russell says
So sorry for the loss of one of my all-time favorite people. Cheryl was genuinely beautiful, inside and out , from the time we met in gradeschool. Rest in peace, my good friend.
Rick Martin says
I have great memories of this beautiful and sweet lady from the Butte Country Club in the mid 70’s. Her and Bob were a match and always kind and easy to talk with and genuine. I am sure she will be missed by so many. May she so rest in peace, and my condolences to all her family and friends.
Diane McLaughlin says
Dear Skippy, Shelli, Rob,& Families,
I am so Sorry to hear your Dear Mom passed away. : ( I know your hearts are broken and wanted to let you know I will be thinking & Praying for all of you at this sad time. She will be missed by so many & sending you all big Hugs! R.I.P Dear Cheryl.
Anonymous says
What a gem! Sorry Skip and family!
Lisa Shea says
Skippy, Sheli and Rob-I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a sweet and fun lady. Sending love as you celebrate her life today. She is with “Santa” and his elf and Ho Ho and all the others who forged the path to Heaven. Hugs and much love to you all.
Lillian Tam Hofkes says
I’m sorry for your loss Skip. Your mom was a wonderful person. Loved seeing her around town when we visited. May she rest in peace. Hugs and kisses
John Beckman says
i knew Cheryle in high school and she was always a bright spot in the class. I was in regular contact but had misser her passing. The last time I saw her was at our 50th reunion and now there is a void where she resided. Always a kind, sweet and beautiful lady who I willl remember as a classmate and friend. Hope she has passed to a high calling and looks on all of us in mercy.