Cheryl Ann Danner

Cheryl Ann Danner, 74, of Temple, Texas stepped into the presence of her Lord, and was reunited with her daddy, grandson, and countless friends, on July 5, 2025 after a long battle with Sarcoidosis.

Cheryl was born May 29, 1951 to James and Marilyn Morris and grew up in Cache, Oklahoma. She married Donald Smith and was blessed with two children, Debra and Donald Jr.. Although Cheryl and Donald later divorced, they remained friends until her last day.

While raising her two children by herself, Cheryl earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certification, then began a career of caring for the elderly and sick, while ensuring her children never wanted for anything.

Cheryl then met the love of her life, SSG Kent Danner, and they were married on October 12, 1981 in Wichita Falls, Texas. She became a military wife, which she loved. After traveling twice to Germany, they settled in the Killeen/Temple area where Cheryl again began caring for the elderly. Upon Kent’s retirement, they hit the road and became full time RVers. They enjoyed that life until their health prevented further travels.

Cheryl was a fun and wonderful mom, nana and great nana who would do anything for her family. Her love for Jesus showed every day, especially the hard ones, when she would listen to her Gaither music and beg the Lord to hold her hand. No matter how her disease progressed or how much pain she was in, Cheryl continued to praise God, knowing He would never leave her.

Cheryl was active in the Walk for Alzheimer’s in honor of her husband, Kent, who suffers from this terrible disease. Her team, Team Danner, was awarded top earner three years in a row. For the past five years, Cheryl and her family distributed Christmas cards and gifts for the veterans at the W.R. Courtney Veterans’ Home in Temple, where Kent is a resident.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bobby and Daryll, and grandson, Jonathan Hufford, whom she called her kindred spirit. Cheryl is survived by her husband, Kent; children: Debra Hufford and husband Charles of Gatesville, and son Donald Smith Jr. of Temple; grandchildren: Anthony Hufford, Andrew Smith, Samantha Lester, and Mikayla Hufford, and her precious great-grandchildren: Elena Hufford, Natalie Lester, and Thomas Lester. She is also survived by her sisters Kathie Litwin and Patricia McMillan, as well as her brother James Morris Jr.

A visitation will be Thursday July 10, 2025 from 4:00-6:00pm at Crotty Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Belton

Her graveside services will be Friday July 11, 2025 at 10:00am at the Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen with her dear friend, Albert St. Aubin of New Hampshire officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her grandson, Jonathan Hufford. Crotty Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to thank Our Hospice House in Belton for the exceptional care they provided Cheryl and her family during her last days. The house and staff are truly a Godsend.