Obituaries

Cheryl Ann Varner, age 69, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026. She was born March 3, 1956, in Long Beach, California, to the late Roland and Shirley (Zurbriggen) Karshner.

As a teenager, Cheryl moved with her family to Northern Kentucky, where she would build her life and community. She grew up with a love for horses and especially enjoyed barrel racing. Cheryl also found great joy in gardening and caring for the beauty of God’s creation.

Cheryl was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. Her children and grandbabies were her greatest blessing, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was known for her soft-spoken nature, quiet strength, and steady faith, which guided her throughout her life. Cheryl was a lifelong and faithful member of Big Bone Baptist Church, where she was deeply involved and dearly loved. She faithfully served in Sunday School and the Children’s Ministry, especially the Girls in Action program, which held a special place in her heart. It brought her great joy and pride when the children she had taught returned to visit her as adults. Her life reflected her strong Christian faith and her commitment to serving others.

Cheryl is survived by her loving children, Kimberlee (Sean) Palmer and Brandon Karshner; her cherished grandchildren, Aiden and Abigail Palmer; her siblings, Cindy Williamson (Paul Wayne) and Kenneth Karshner; and her nieces, Chasity, Heather (Mike), Amy (Nick), Danielle, Jessica and Ryan. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifton Varner; her parents, Roland and Shirley Karshner; and her sister, Deborah Beard.

Donations may be made in Cheryl’s honor to Big Bone Baptist Church, a place that meant so much to her and where she found fellowship, purpose, and community.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.