Cheryl Lynne Raymond Peterson was born on June 12, 1945 to Leo F. and Harriet G. Raymond of Farragut, Iowa. She enjoyed living on the Raymond farm most of her early years, and attended Farragut Community School. During her school years, she had numerous accomplishments through her participation in band, choir, and basketball, and was selected to participate in the Iowa State Republican Convention as a Junior Delegate.

Upon graduation from high school, she attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines where she majored in General Business. She was a member of the Alpha Iota sorority there and graduated with honors. After graduation, Cheryl came home to Farragut and married her high school sweetheart, James Allen. From this marriage came three beautiful daughters - Lisa, Gina, and Tami. In 1979, Cheryl moved to Houston, Texas with her family. After years of being a home-maker, Cheryl enrolled in nursing school to attain her long-time goal of becoming a nurse. After graduating as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), she pursued a career in nursing until her retirement in 2002.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her mother Harriet Raymond and her beloved daughter Gina Allen Austin. She is survived by: daughters Lisa Allen O'Meara (Tim), Tamara Allen Glaser (Gene); father Leo Raymond; step-mother Ona Mae Raymond; sister Patricia Kae Raymond Wallin (Don); grandchildren Brandon, Shelby, and Sean O'Meara; Matthew and Joshua Glaser; nieces Kelly D. Wallin and Charissa Wallin Foerschner (Bob); and numerous friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Cheryl to the charity of your choice, especially those related to animal rescue or adoption.

Memorial services were held on Monday, November 26, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Fred Bryson. Special music was performed by Kelly Wallin. Inurnment was in the Farragut Cemetery at Farragut. Memorials are being directed to People for Paws in Cheryl's name. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.