Cherie Ann Koontz, only child of Harlyn “Doc” and Jeanette Nellie (Sullivan) Raymond, was born May 15, 1951, in Hull, Iowa. She spent her youth in Sanborn, Iowa where she received her education, graduating from Sanborn High School with the class of 1969. She furthered her education at Spencer School of Business located in Spencer, Iowa.

    On March 17, 1984, Cherie became the bride of Orrin DeForrest “Rock” Koontz III at the United Methodist Church in Hartley, Iowa. They made their home in Hartley and eventually added two children to their family: Jenna and Jared.

    Cherie had been affiliated with the Catholic Church in Sanborn before her marriage, but raised her children as members of the United Methodist Church in Hartley. Later, she and Rocky would relocate to Sanborn, and she joined the Presbyterian Church there – the same church where her grandma had taught Sunday School many years before.

    As her kids were growing up, one of their favorite things to do with their Mom was just driving around town, especially during the holiday season to look at Christmas lights. As the kids got older and had families of their own, her grandchildren became the center of her world. She never thought of her stepsons and grandkids as “step”, to her they were always just sons and grandkids. Many afternoons were spent at the swimming pool with Ashlyn because “she would like that more than daycare anyway”. Then when Ellie and Harlyn came along during Covid and she had to have conversations through the windows before she finally got to meet them in person, her love was still so big and apparent. Family was always an important part of  Cherie’s life; she was always lending a hand wherever needed when the Raymond crew got together. Stories, remembrances and good food were never in short supply at these events.

    One of her favorite jobs had been as a teacher’s aide at HMS Middle School in Sanborn. During that time, many kids had touched her heart and she never forgot them, recalling humorous stories of their time together.

    Cherie passed from this life on January 16, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harlyn and Jeanette Raymond; husband, Rocky; and one great-grandchild, Carter.

    She is survived by her children: Jenna (Dan) Gustafson of rural Kiron, Iowa and their daughters: Ashlyn and Ellie; Jared (Teanna) Koontz of Sanborn, Iowa and their daughter, Harlyn; stepson, Brett (Lynn) Koontz of Sanborn, Iowa and their sons: Taylor (Hannah), Nick and Hunter;  Damon Koontz of Le Mars, Iowa and his children, Trevor, Tori, Tyler and Tom; one step-granddaughter, Payslie; other relatives and friends.