Cheryl Larkin Mize, 80, of Leawood, Kansas, formerly of Leavenworth and Atchison, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Born and raised in Leavenworth, Cheryl graduated from Immaculata High School before continuing her education at St. Mary’s College. In 1967, she married John H. Mize, and they shared 56 years together before his passing in 2023.
Known for her fierce determination, humor, generosity, and amazing wardrobe, she was an excellent mother and a treasured friend whose presence brought happiness to those who knew her.
Whether you knew her as “CH”eryl, incorrectly as Sheryl, Granny, or Goose, you know she cherished her family deeply and found joy in proving she could do just about anything–including cheat death numerous times. She will remain a source of strength and inspiration to all who were fortunate to know her. Her grit carried her as long as possible.
Cheryl leaves behind her identical twin sister, Charla Reilly, a son, Jonathan Mize (Shannon); a daughter, Blish Mize Connor (Michael); five grandchildren, Lauren Davis (Kyle), Nathan Mize (Madison), Truman, Snowden, and Patch Connor, and one great-granddaughter, Wrenley Davis.
She was preceded in death by John, her parents, Charles and Lucille Larkin, a sister, Maura Galloup, and a grandchild, John Cooper Connor.
The family extends so much gratitude to all of the caregivers who supported Cheryl over the past several years, with special gratitude to Patty Riley for her patience, kindness, and constant willingness to say yes, especially to Goose. We are also deeply thankful to the Mission Chateau community, both residents and staff, who truly gave Cheryl a second lease on life.
Cheryl will be celebrated at a memorial service at 1 pm on September 23, 2025, at The Pilgrim Chapel, 3801 Gilham Road, Kansas City, MO. Private family burial and graveside services will be at a later date in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, KS.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Atchison Area Community Foundation - (America 250 in Atchison Fund), Children’s Mercy Hospital, c/o The Cooper Connor Fund, or Kansas City Hospice and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, 800 Kansas Ave., Atchison, KS.
