DELENA ROSE CHERRY

Delena Rose Cherry passed away, peacefully in the hospital August 17, 2012, with her family by her side, after her second courageous battle against cancer. She was 72 years old. She was born on September 29, 1939 in Hazleton, Idaho to Dave and Neallie Cherry. Preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Neallie Cherry. Brothers Melvin and Alton, sister Wilma. Daughter Rebecca Lynn Ortega, Grandson Keanu Ortega and his twin sister Carma, Grandson Joey Ortega. Delena is survived by son Phil Ortega III (Vicki), son David Ortega Sr (Cindi), daughter Shauna DeRose (Robert), son William Ortega, son Lawrence Ortega, daughter Theresa Money. Also survived by 18 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, sister Maxine Blass, Aunt Ivy Cox and Aunt Vivian Suddreth, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Delena grew up in and around Twin Falls, Idaho. After marrying and having children, she moved to Sacramento, California. She later divorced and raised her 6 children all on her own. She sacrificed, struggled, but never gave up. She was an amazing and very strong woman. She was 4' 10 ½ ", which she stretched to 4' 11" and weighed about 90 pounds. She was a tiny little thing, but had the will and perseverance of a giant. She spent many years working two jobs, usually walking to and from both. As the older children reached their teen years, she got a job with the State of California. Years later, she retired from the State of California, Department of Vital Records. Very soon after retirement, she moved back to Idaho. She first moved to Hayden, which is in Northern Idaho. She eventually found her way back home, Twin Falls, where she had grown up. Through the years she stayed in touch with the "kids" with whom she had grown up, attended school and graduated high school. She recently attended her 55th Valley High School class reunion in Eden, Idaho. We're so happy that she was able to attend, as she had talked about it for months. She was still talking about it afterwards. Delena loved her family with all of her heart. She was loving, caring, giving and helped her children in any way that she could. After retirement, she finally had the time to spend with her grandchildren. She loved the time they spent together. She would drive to Oklahoma, Northern Idaho, and California to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She said that after retiring, she no longer had the stress of everyday life and could finally be the grandma that she had always dreamt of being. Delena also spent a lot of time volunteering in Twin Falls. She did most of her volunteering at Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Magic Valley. She would drive many of the clients to and from various appointments and errands. She grew close to some of the people that she was helping and looked forward to spending time with them and hearing their stories. She loved "piddling" around in the yard, doing yard work and gardening. She also loved sewing. She made quilts, throws, pillows, pajamas, tote bags, and whatever else she could come up with. She also made small child sized throw blankets and donated them to the local agencies for children in crisis. Her first battle with cancer was very soon after her retirement. She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and her prognosis was not good. The doctors expected that she might survive two to three months. Then a miracle happened. She was asked to participate in a clinical trial, which ultimately saved her life. She was cancer free for thirteen years. In March of 2012, she received her second cancer diagnosis. She had brain and lung cancer and learned that it was terminal. Her biggest concern was her children and grandchildren. She said she came to terms with her prognosis, but it was tearing her up knowing that her family was having such a hard time with it. She said she was blessed to have gotten thirteen years following the breast cancer diagnosis. She is loved so very much and will be deeply missed. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service to celebrate Delena's life, to be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home.