Cheryl Lou Mass

Cheryl Lou Mass passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Cheryl was very thoughtful, curious and an empathetic light that shined bright with her time on earth. She was born on June 29, 1951, at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. First child of Ruth Mae McKibbon Mass and Denver Mass.

Cheryl grew up in a very loving home surrounded by her mother, sister and the rest of her mother's family on a small farm near Beggs, Oklahoma. Life on the farm included helping feed cattle and chickens, gathering eggs, caring for 4-H projects: Henrietta and Lambchops (sheep) and helping to tend the garden, picking seemingly endless green beans and snapping them for our mother to can.

Cheryl began her education at Osage Hills Public School for her first 3 years. And when that school closed, was among the students that were transferred to Beggs Public Schools, graduating in 1969.

After high school, Cheryl attended Okmulgee Technical School to learn key punch. Learning key punch allowed Cheryl to earn her first job at First National Bank in Tulsa. After some time at the bank, Cheryl took a position for five years, at the State of Oklahoma Human Services Department, helping to license child care facilities. After a brief stop working at Citgo, Cheryl resumed her educational pursuits. Cheryl graduated from Tulsa Junior College (TCC) and then continued her education at Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, graduating in 1990 in Early Childhood Development.

Cheryl educated many of Tulsa's youth at Springdale Elementary School for 24 years. She created an environment where her students thrived. Also, while there, formed strong friendships with fellow teachers, that have stood the test of time.

Cheryl was quick with a joke and quick with a look. She had an infectious laugh, and her humor could change a conversation from serious to funny in a heartbeat. She loved to explore ideas through conversation, always looking for a path to greater understanding. And ALWAYS ready to talk about politics.

She enjoyed movies, Stephen King novels, and introduced her nephews to their first scary movie. (It was the Burbs, btw). She allowed those around her to be comfortable with who they were, and was accepting of all that she met without any judgment. Cheryl gave grace to those she encountered, was empathetic and charitable to those less fortunate. She showed unconditional love to her mother in her later years.

Cheryl was loved by her family and countless friends. Her impact will long be remembered and felt by many. Cheryl is preceded in death by parents, grandparents, several aunts, uncles and one cousin. She is survived by her sister, Denise Hopper, brother-in-law Stan Hopper, two nephews, Nicholas Hopper, Michael Hopper and wife Stacy, one great-niece, Shelby Strickland, and one great-nephew Colton Strickland, several cousins and her many, many loving friends that she adored.