Cheryl Diana Kern

Cheryl Diana Kern, 64, passed away February 28, 2021 in Indianapolis, IN after a short illness.

Cheryl was born on March 13, 1956 in Shelbyville, IN to Lois M. (Kirk) and Robert M. Parkinson. She had a brother, Charles A Parkinson. They preceded her in death. Cheryl married her longtime friend and love, Kenneth C. Kern, on December 31, 1994. Ken preceded her in death in 2020. They are now together forever.

Survivors include her stepchildren, Debbie Wildrick, Douglas (Tammy) Kern, Lincoln (Lisa Pittle) Kern, and Bennett (Julie) Kern; grandchildren, Joshua, Ashley, Kadian, Jimmy, Braden and Kelsey; and a great grandchild, Sofia.

Cheryl graduated from Waldron High School in 1974 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1978. She worked as a wedding photographer and office manager in her younger years. From 1986-2013, she was a paralegal/office manager at the Law Office of Kenneth C Kern. Cheryl worked as a Commissioner and Trainer for the Marion County Election Board since 1988. She was most recently employed as a clerk at the Marion County Clerk’s Office.

Cheryl was a devoted wife, always by the side of her husband, Ken, and his endeavors. From lawyer, magician, democratic campaigner and candidate, history and law professor, investor to collector, Cheryl was a tireless and active assistant. She was presented the Award of Democratic Woman of the Year in 2015, by the Indiana Democratic Club, Inc., where she held many titles over the years; from Treasurer and Chair of the Board of Directors. She and Ken were longtime attendees of the All Souls Unitarian Church, volunteering there as well.

Cheryl’s second home was Buck Creek Playhouse, where she served on the board of Directors as Treasurer for 20 years, managed both the Box Office and the Front of the House, and earned a 2019 Encore Award for Best Producer of a Musical. A driving force behind the scenes, Cheryl helped whenever and wherever she was needed. Her smile welcomed all who came to BCP. She generously contributed her time and many talents to raise funds, promote the playhouse, cook delicious meals for BCP volunteers, and do everything possible to ensure that all who came to Buck Creek Playhouse enjoyed themselves.

Cheryl was a genuinely warm, witty and pleasantly sarcastic soul. She was a bright light in the lives of her many friends. Cheryl cherished her Monday night outings with the “Golden Girls” and gang. She will be missed, but not forgotten.

Please join us in celebrating her life on May 8, 2021 at 4:00 pm at Buck Creek Playhouse, 11150 Southeastern Ave. Indianapolis 46259. This will be an outside socially distanced event with Rain Date May 9^th, 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made online at http://www.buckcreekplayers.com/make-a-donation.html