Cherie was born on February 9, 1948, in Warrensburg, MO, the daughter of Paul E. and Willa Mae (Stevens) Pearson. She graduated from Warrensburg High School, the oldest of 6 children. Cherie married the love of her life, Gary Crabtree, on March 4, 1967 in Warrensburg, MO. Shortly after marriage, she began her career as a flex writer for Western Electric in Lee's Summit. In 1969, when military duty took Gary and Cherie to Japan, she moved to the position of Executive Secretary with World Airways. This position afforded her privileges such as writing letters to Gary and sending him freshly baked brownies on the airplanes the same day in South Korea and Vietnam during his service. After leaving Japan and military service in 1972, Gary and Cherie made their home in Adrian, MO, residing there until 1987, when they relocated to Butler, MO until 1998. They moved to Belton, MO until 2004. They eventually made their home in Peculiar, MO, moving in 2004 and remaining until her passing. From 1972 - 2014, she worked as a legal secretary, first with McNabb & Pursley in Butler, MO; and then with Crouch, Spangler, & Douglas in Harrisonville, MO; before ultimately retiring in 2014.
Cherie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and South New Home Missionary Baptist Church in Cross Timbers, MO. She was always up for an outing - whether enjoying her Friday Night dinner dates with Terry and Norma; her girls trips with her friends, Peggy and Judy; her Mother's Day outings with all her girls and grandkids; or shopping with Shawna, Tracy, and Amy; she would always be ready to go. She also enjoyed dancing, reading, and traveling. Cherie loved the any holiday get together that involved the entire family. She spent her life supporting other people, whether it was preparing desserts for Gary's board meetings, sitting in bleachers or stands for her daughters and grandkids sporting events, music concerts or awards banquets, or just being present to support anyone that she thought might need it. She loved having a perfect Christmas tree with all of her special edition silver bells hung around the tree. Cherie led a life filled with love, laughter, and endless support to others, She will be remembered for her beautiful hands, her compassionate spirit, and unwavering love to her family.
Cherie is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Willa Mae Pearson; her brother, Steve Pearson; and her granddaughter, Darly Sanders. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gary, of the home; her daughters: Shawna (Robbie) Leeper of Harrisonville, MO; Tracy (Derek) Sanders of Raymore, MO; and Amy (Shawn) McVey of Butler, MO; her grandchildren: Morgyn (Zoe) Rivière, Izak (Tori) Bergschneider, Trevor (Morgan) Kudzinski, Jodi Kudzinski, and Caila McVey; 3 great-grandchildren; and her loyal companion, her teddy bear dog, Kodi.
