Cheryl Jo (Cunningham) Knaus

Cheryl Knaus

Loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Cheryl Jo (Cunningham) Knaus, left this world January 18, 2022, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 59 years, surrounded by her three sisters and her daughter. Cheryl was born August 13, 1962, to Joe Ross Cunningham and Dorothy June (Thomas) Cunningham in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Cheryl grew up in Tulsa and attended Will Rogers High School. She met and went on to married Jimmy Knaus in 1983 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the two had three children together. Even after their divorce, they remained best friends until her death. Cheryl spent 30 plus years at WordCom and considered her co-workers her family, that she loved so dearly.

Cheryl is survived by children, daughter Cara Roberts of Wagoner, OK; daughter Casey Knaus of Tulsa, OK; and son Tyler Knaus and his partner, Lily Mohn, of Tulsa, OK, and by her four grandchildren, whom she was known as “Nana” and she loved dearly, Joshua Roberts, Hayden Harris, Octavia McClure, and Wren Miller.

Cheryl leaves behind four remaining siblings, the three Cunningham sisters, Cindy Buckmaster and husband, Terry of Locust Grove, OK; Cayla Reich of Wagoner, OK; and Sandy Cunningham of Tulsa, OK; and her brother, Joe Ray Cunningham of Freeport, FL. In addition, Cheryl leaves behind a sister-in-law, Dottie Weeks, and long-time and dear friend, Dale Reeves.

“Sissy”, as Cheryl’s nieces and nephews lovingly called her, is survived by six nieces and five nephews, as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews. Also surviving her is her constant companion, her beloved dog, Goldie.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents, Joe Ross and Dorothy June Cunningham, brother-in-law, Mark Reich, sister-in-law, Pegi McCurry, and a great-niece.

Those she leaves behind have many cherished memories including dinners out with her baby sister and best friend, Sandy, or concerts out with Dale. Cheryl loved Bon Jovi and the Eagles the most and was fortunate enough to enjoy them live with Sandy and Dale. Granddaughters, Hayden and Octavia, say they rocked out in the car to the Eagles every day with Nana!

Cheryl had quite the green thumb and loved working in her yard and took such great pride of her yard and her beloved house plants. She loved OU football and if they were playing, she was watching. She will be missed and loved so much by everyone that knew her.

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