The Superior Express -

Cheryl Rae Vap, was born April 2, 1952, in Kearney, Neb., and was the youngest daughter of Francis Mays and Ruby Jean (Rasmussen) Mays. She has a sister, Marcia Lovitt, living in Kearney and a brother, Gary Mays, also in Kearney.

She was raised in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School. Her parents preceded her in death.

Cheryl was married to Roy M. Vap of Deweese on Oct. 2, 1971, and moved to Glenwood Park outside of Kearney. Their family consists of three children, Torrey and Erika Vap of Florida, Mistie and Mitch Day of Texas, and Jeffery and Ashlee Vap of Nebraska.

Cheryl and Roy moved to Red Cloud in 1984 and made it their home. She worked for the University of Nebraska Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center for 40 years and was proud to retire in 2017. Cheryl was proud of her 12 grandchildren, with one on the way and her five great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy.

Cheryl was a 41 year member of the Red Cloud Unit 238 American Legion Auxiliary and has held numerous positions including unit president 1997-1999. On the district level, Cheryl had served as VA and R chairman, Girl State chairman, district vice president and District 10 president from 1997-2000. She also served as department leadership chairman, public relations chairman 2004-2005, Girls State vice chairman, Children and Youth chairman, department chaplain from 2009-2010, the Department president 2012-2013. Cheryl also had been an 8/40 Partner of Adams County Salon 486 for 19 years. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Cloud where she served as a greeter and cantor. She taught CCD classes for 13 years. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society and served one year as president. Cheryl served her community in a multitude of activities including sponsoring band trips, athletic booster, Girl Scouts leader, church offices and PTA. She enjoyed her family, especially the grandchildren.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, July 6, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Paul Frank officiating. Interment was in the St. Martin Loucky Cemetery. The Rosary was recited Monday, at the funeral home.