Cheryl Ferrence

Cheryl Lynn Ferrence, one of Boulder City's best known community volunteers, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2013, at age 67. Totally committed to preserving the history of the town, Cheryl, in 2008, authored the book "Around Boulder City," chronicling the city's birth during the construction of Hoover Dam and its 75 years of progress. A devoted wife and mother, Cheryl and her husband, Bill, were responsible for saving the famed Boulder Dam Hotel 20 years ago. She focused all her efforts on volunteering for the hotel and the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum and Historical Association, in honor of her beloved husband, following Bill's passing in 2011. Her impact on Boulder City as an unsung hero for nearly 40 years cannot be overstated. Cheryl was born in Bath, N.Y., and raised in Hobart, Ind. She and Bill met while she was a student at the South Bend College of Commerce and he a student at the University of Notre Dame. For 45 years, they shared a passion for Irish football and were at each other's side for every football Saturday. The mother of two sons, Cheryl relished every moment raising them in Boulder City. Over the years, she served as executive director of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, office manager of the Boulder City News, as a realtor and as manager of the Desert Inn Motel. But, her passion was her children. She was a selfless mom who dedicated 20 years of her life to raising "the boys." Longtime Boulder City residents will recall her devout attendance at thousands of youth sports games. Over the course of 14 years, she never missed a single one. Her family, and the entire Boulder City community, will miss Cheryl dearly but will take solace knowing she's been reunited with her best friend and the love of her life, Bill. Cheryl was preceded in death by both of her parents, Beulah and James Hopson. She is survived by sons, Will (Kelley) and Jim (Christy); grandkids, Billy, Carmela, Jack and Giacomo; and her brother, Jim Hopson. A private service will be held at the Boulder City Cemetery, 501 Adams Blvd. A public remembrance is pending at the Boulder Dam Hotel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cheryl's honor to the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum and Historical Association.