Cheryl McKinney

Cheryl Lynn (Hersom) McKinney, 70, passed away on April 9, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.

Cheryl was born on September 14, 1955, in Ogden, Utah, a beloved identical twin daughter of Frank and Olga Hersom. She was raised in Sunset and South Ogden, Utah, where she built a foundation of faith, family, and service that would guide her throughout her life.

She attended Bonneville High School, where she was a Lakette during her senior year, an experience that she loved. She graduated in 1973 and also graduated from the seminary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that same year.

On December 16, 1976, Cheryl married her eternal companion, Lance C. McKinney, in a double wedding ceremony shared with her twin sister and her husband in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together, they built a loving home and were blessed with nine children, later welcoming another young man, Erik, into their family as a teenager, who brought additional joy to their lives. Cheryl and Lance’s posterity grew to include 23 grandchildren.

Cheryl was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep and abiding testimony of her Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. She faithfully served in many callings throughout her life and especially loved her time as a temple worker. After suffering a stroke in 2021, she continued forward with unwavering faith, serving as a dedicated and attentive ministering sister.

She was an accomplished seamstress and found great joy in creating beautiful things for others. Cheryl made her own wedding dress and lovingly made Gunny Sax dresses and many clothes for her daughters. She had a talent for embroidery and crocheting, creating intricate and cherished pieces, including a special doily for an altar at the Payson, UT Temple, and for her family and loved ones. She also delighted in making personalized, handmade cards for family and friends—even after her stroke—and enjoyed crafting and making decorations for her home and holidays.

Cheryl had a quiet, generous spirit and found joy in serving others, often anonymously. She had a remarkable ability to recognize the needs of those around her and responded with thoughtfulness and care.

She loved puzzles and games, had a quick wit, and was known for her playful sense of humor and love of puns. She also held a deep love for her nieces and nephews and remained an active and cherished part of their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Olga Hersom, and her sister, Jessa Lee King.

Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Lance C. McKinney of Provo, Utah; her children: Amy McKinney of Oneonta, New York; Kristy McKinney of Provo, Utah; Emily (Jason) Peterson of Kanab, Utah; Heidi (Mahonrri) Penilla of Helper, Utah; Stacy McKinney of Provo, Utah; Craig (Emily) McKinney of Waxahachie, Texas; Julie (Adam) Huffaker of Lehi, Utah; Chad (Sariah) McKinney of Payson, Utah; Hawley McKinney of Provo, Utah; and Erik Pedroso of Provo, Utah; as well as 23 beloved grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings: Frank (Merlynn) Hersom of Houston, Texas; Gloria (Van) McFarland of West Weber, Utah; Mark (Kerry) Hersom of Springville, Utah; her twin sister Carol (Leonard) Arave of North Salt Lake, Utah, and Mary Ann (Allen) Andrus of Alexandria, Virginia.

Cheryl will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her quiet acts of service, her creativity, and her deep and abiding love for her family and all who knew her.

Viewings and funeral services will be held as follows:
A viewing will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Berg Mortuary
185 E Center St.
Provo, UT 84606

An additional viewing will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, 10:00 am-10:45 am, followed by the funeral services starting at 11:00 am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse
1498 E. 800 S.
Provo, UT 84606