Pawnee — Cheryl Lynn Cowgur, 81, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at her home. Cheryl was born Nov. 22, 1944, in Springfield, the daughter of Robert M. and Gladys M. Lair Smith. She married James Ronald "Ron" Cowgur on July 23, 1981, at Grace Baptist Church in Virden. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ron, in 2015; her sister, Marva J. Angelo; and her daughter, Crystal L. Pitchford.

Cheryl was a member of Pawnee Christian Church. She graduated from Girard High School in 1962 and worked as a clerk at the Illinois Department of Revenue for more than 30 years, retiring in 2007. She also volunteered at the Pawnee Food Pantry for several years.

Cheryl is survived by three sons, Robert W. (wife, Barb) Bettis of Pawnee, Franklin V. Angelo of St. Robert, Missouri, and Gregory S. Cowgur of St. Louis; two daughters, Lisa L. (husband, Kevin) Gulley of Harrisburg and Kathy L. (husband, Robert) Nichols of Bonfield; a son-in-law, Kent Pitchford, of Virden; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Mona (husband, Tom) Brown, of Girard; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cheryl's family will meet friends from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Pawnee Christian Church, with Rev. David Swihart officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Christian Church, 1200 Rutledge St., Pawnee, IL 62558.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Cheryl Cowgur. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.