Cheryl Leia Bear Hansen McCoy passed away surrounded by family on January 28, 2026, at her home in Kingman, Arizona, after a valiant three-year battle with colon cancer.

Cheryl was born February 13, 1958, to Christine Little Owl Bear and John B. Henry on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. She was a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. She was greeted by older sisters Sylvia, Alvina, and brother Keith, and was followed by her younger sister Carlotta. Her growing-up years, through age ten, were spent on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota where she developed a sense of the beauty of her Native American culture.

She was taught by missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and upon being baptized became a student in the Indian Placement Program. She lived in Soda Springs, Idaho, for one year. Then, in 1969 at Thanksgiving, she joined the family of Thomas Jay and Nadine Nelson in Bloomington, Idaho, where she became a welcomed, loved, and cherished daughter and sibling to Ruth, Julia, Joyce, Gay, and Reed for the rest of her life.

Cheryl attended school in her early years in Pine Ridge and furthered her education in Bear Lake County, Idaho. She was a graduate of the Bear Lake High School class of 1976 where she academically achieved and participated in many activities including student government. Cheryl won her way into the hearts of all her classmates with her infectious smile, sweet personality, sense of humor, and subtle mischievousness.

During the summer months, Cheryl returned to Pine Ridge where she lived with her sister, Sylvia. In the fall she would return to Bloomington and the Nelson family. After high school, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, for one year where she studied general education and participated in intramural volleyball and art.

Then, with her adventurous spirit, she became a police officer in Rapid City, South Dakota, and a member of the sheriff department in Denver, Colorado. It was during this time that she met and married her husband, Leon Hansen.

With her compassion, love, and caring for other people, Cheryl pursued and then achieved her life-long career as a registered nurse. While living in Parker, Arizona, she and Leon started a private Home Health company through Indian Services. She worked for many years as a floor nurse, charge nurse, nurse educator, and traveling nurse in Arizona, North Dakota, and Texas. She retired from nursing in 2022 after being diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Anyone who ever felt her gentle hands and calming voice knew that to her, nursing was more than just a profession, it was a sacred calling.

Cheryl loved to travel, explore, and enjoy the wonders of nature, whether by car, truck, fifth-wheel travel trailer, or Indian Motorcycle with side car. While married to Leon, they would take to the road in the summers and follow the Indian Pow Wow trail providing delicious Native American food from their truck, the Hungry Bear. It was a time of rest and relaxation as they participated in the traditions of beautiful hoop dancing, ethereal flute playing, and rhythmic chanting.

Upon Leon's death, she moved to Kingman, Arizona, where she continued her nursing full-time. It was then that she met her husband, Russell McCoy, and they were married March 18, 2023. They enjoyed many trips in their jeep and DC camper. Together they traveled to the island of Malta and visited London and Paris. Russ has been a loyal companion and constant caregiver to her through her illness and passing.

Cheryl was the kind of person others were drawn to, like cold hands to a fire, and always treated everyone with genuine concern, love, and her utmost attention. Even through the hardest times, she was always upbeat and optimistic. She described her cancer journey as being a "Win-Win". No matter what the outcome, she would be a winner.

She was a wonderful conversationalist and shared her wealth of knowledge in an interesting and pleasing way. She was always up to date on national and international affairs and had an honest and forthright opinion. She loved to play games, especially card games, and assemble puzzles. It was always a delightful time to be seated around a table with her sharing laughter and snacks. She had a gentle heart and a deep love for animals, especially cats. She provided a good home and tender care to Bushkia, Enya, and Ighamoo. Their names reflect her creativity. This talent also came through in her artistry in drawing, painting, writing, and beading.

Cheryl was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep testimony of Jesus Christ and His atonement. She knew He was her personal Savior and Friend. She found great joy in her temple covenants and in attending the temple. Cheryl loved her many church friends, callings, and participating in her ward activities and services.

The family would like to thank the Huntsman Cancer Center in Farmington, Utah, and Dr. Glynn W. Gilcrease; IHC Cancer Center in St. George, Utah, and Dr. Zachary L. Reese; MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona, and Dr. Maddappa Kundranda for the professional and caring way they took care of Cheryl. She loved her medical teams.

Cheryl is survived by her husband Russell D. McCoy; sisters Sylvia L. Hall, Alvina Hall (Bear); brothers Keith Bear, Donald E. Charging, and Frank P. Henry; foster sisters Ruth Baker (Marc); Julia Rowland (Brian); Joyce Ellertson (Rick); Gay Hyde (Kyle); foster brother Reed Nelson (Debbie); mother-in-law Judith Ann Hale; sister-in-law Robin Hoffman; brother-in-law Joe Konchan; step-children Candice Davidson, Kristin Fong, Andrea McCoy, and Russell D. McCoy II; extended grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who all loved her dearly. She was proceeded in death by her husband Leon Hansen; parents Christine Bear (Little Owl) and John B. Henry; stepmother Grace A. Henry (Charging); brothers John A. Charging and Joseph J. Henry Sr.; sister Carlotta Gesell Quick Bear (Bear); foster parents Thomas Jay and Nadine Nelson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the St. Charles Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel located at 75 North Main, St. Charles, Idaho, under the direction of Schwab Matthews Mortuary. There will be a viewing on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM with services at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Bloomington Idaho City Cemetery.

The audio of the funeral will be posted after the services.