Obituary of Cheryl Dorlesk Moothart

Cheryl D. Moothart, age 89, longtime resident of Iowa City, died Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Coralville, with entombment at the Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Coralville. Cheryl D. Nayadley was born July 4, 1933, in Washington, Iowa to Joseph and Geanie Olive (Glider) Nayadley. She attended school at a one-room schoolhouse in rural Washington County, Iowa. She graduated from Washington High School with the Class of 1951. Growing up on a farm, Cheryl developed her feisty and strong demeanor. She loved to share stories of her childhood. She had a pig named Suzie Q who would sit on your lap if you sat on the ground. She and her sister were radio stars--singing hymns on the local radio station. She loved to roller skate at the local rink and met her future husband, Paul G. Moothart there. They married shortly after she graduated from high school on July 14, 1951. The couple lived in Washington for a couple of years, then moved to Iowa City where they lived on Broadway Street. Even after Paul died in 1995, Cheryl stayed in the Broadway house, living there for a total of 61 years. Cheryl valued her family and was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She most enjoyed when the whole family gathered for holidays, birthdays, or other special occasions, whether they met at her house, the Village Inn restaurant, or in recent years at her granddaughter’s farm. In addition to being a wife and mother, Cheryl worked full-time at the Oral B factory for over 35 years. Cheryl loved her coffee, but her other passions were listening to Elvis and country music, as well as bowling. She bowled in an evening league for many years and carried an impressive 185 average. Her family and her faith carried her through the difficult times, including the loss of her husband and later the loss of her eldest daughter. Cheryl was one of the first members of the Tabernacle Baptist Church where she would play the church piano and organ for services. She has been a faithful active member for nearly 40 years. It was here that Cheryl was blessed with meeting the next great love of her life, Harry Thoma. They met in church when he asked her out for coffee, which led to 23 years of constant companionship. They shared their strong faith, loved to walk together, traveled when they could, enjoyed getting coffee, and singing hymns. Cheryl’s family includes her children Kevin Moothart (Melody), Paula [Moothart] Hill, and Bruce Moothart (Kelly); five grandchildren, Tana Deahr (Ryan), Elijah Moothart, Meghan Schilla, Madison Moothart and Harper Moothart; three great-grandchildren, Callie, Blakley and Wade Deahr; and her long-time companion and partner, Harry Thoma. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; daughter, Vicky Melzow; and six brothers and sisters.