Cheryl Nash

Cheryl Lynn Nash (Armstrong/Mertes) 56, of Trempealeau, WI went to heaven on May 10, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota after a sudden illness. She was surrounded by her family and embraced with the deepest love. 

Cheryl was born on October 3, 1967 to Jerry and Pat Mertes in Winona, Minnesota. Cheryl was the middle daughter of three girls who were raised in Minnesota City, MN. She and her two sisters Chris and Lynn had a remarkable bond. She attended Minnesota City Elementary School and later graduated from Winona Area Public Schools in 1986. 

She met the first love of her life and high school sweetheart David Lee Armstrong. The two were later married on September 27th, 1986. Cheryl and Dave built a life in Minnesota City, where she later graduated as an LPN. Cheryl and Dave had two children, Josh and Tricia. As a family, they enjoyed camping on the river, fishing on their boats and learning her amazing cooking and baking skills. In November of 2000 she suffered the tragic loss of Dave suddenly, despite these challenges she continued to raise their children full of love. She later finished her RN degree and demonstrated to her children resilience, the power of education and to live each moment to the fullest. 

In 2005, after being introduced by her sister, Cheryl met Terry Nash of Trempealeau, WI. The two fell in love after a date at the Freighthouse and married on May 19th, 2007. Cheryl and Terry blended their families as one and built their dream home in Trempealeau, WI. Cheryl welcomed Terry’s two children, Robbey and Jens, as her own. Cheryl and Terry spent many summers enjoying their pool parties with family, traveling to Florida to visit her son, visiting casinos and cruising in their convertible to boondocks. In addition, she loved to entertain at their home and was a welcoming host to anyone. She enjoyed time in her garden, reading on the beach and drinking coffee on her deck. 

Cheryl was known as a passionate caregiver and love for others from the beginning. Her dedication and commitment to those in her care was very evident as dignity and respect were her priorities. Her nursing career spans over 35 years within the Winona area including Watkins Manor, Winona Health and currently held position as the Director of Nursing at Benedictine of Winona. She also was a strong advocate for animals and served for many years as the President of the Winona Area Humane Society. Cheryl loved all animals; however, German Shepherds were her favorite, especially her Henry. 

Cheryl’s true passion and joy was spending time with her two grandchildren, Mya and Cameron Kunce. She was known as the fun Grandma and always down to do anything that involved her grandbabies including waterpark visits, sleepovers and lunch dates. Her love will always remain deep within them both. 

Cheryl will be deeply missed by her husband Terry, children Josh Armstrong (Michael), Robbey Nash (Dakota), Tricia (Jacob) Kunce, Jens Nash (Ashley), and her two grandchildren Mya and Cameron Kunce. Her parents Jerry and Pat Mertes, sisters Chris (John) Fitzgerald and Lynn Mertes (Tony). God Parents Judy and Frank Ratajczyk. Also many nieces and nephews, extended family, close friends and colleagues. 

Cheryl was welcomed in heaven by her late husband Dave and her grandparents whom she was very close with growing up, Lawrence and Irene Mertes and Earl Gilgosh. 

Family would like to express the deepest gratitude towards Mayo Clinic Hospitals for the compassion and care for her. 

Visitation will be on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 4-7 pm at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Winona, Minnesota. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center at 11 am, with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Funeral Celebrant, Emily Ulrich will be officiating the services.