Cheryll Katheryn Borkhuis

Cheryll Katheryn Borkhuis, a long-time Boulder resident, passed away peacefully at her home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Born on July 13, 1944, in Minneapolis, MN to Milo and Elizabeth “Betty” Leddy, Cheryll grew up in Minnetonka, MN, and graduated from Hopkins High School in 1962. She briefly attended Mankato State University before meeting the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Borkhuis, at a mutual friend’s party on Lake Minnetonka in 1963. She immediately knew he was the one, and they married on December 5, 1964, in Hopkins, MN.

The couple lived in Eden Prairie, MN, around the corner from Cheryll’s brother, who was also Bob’s best friend. Many good times were had! While in Minnesota, they welcomed two daughters before moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 1971 for Bob’s job in the ski industry. Cheryll and Bob loved Boulder, quickly making friends and enjoying activities like skiing, tennis, bridge, and dinner groups, all while raising their two active daughters. Cheryll was a dedicated mother and the girl’s biggest fan, never missing a sporting event or choir concert.

After her children were grown, Cheryll found her calling at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce as an Information Specialist. She was the welcoming face of the Chamber, sharing her extensive knowledge and love for Boulder with everyone who visited. 

Cheryll and Bob discovered a passion for cruising, embarking on numerous voyages to beautiful destinations worldwide. They cherished these trips, especially those with their family, including their daughters, sons-in-law, and four grandsons.

In 2018, following Bob’s retirement, they relocated to Highlands Ranch, Colorado. There they spent Cheryll’s final years with their daughter Kelly’s family and their beloved labradoodle, Winnie, whom Cheryll lovingly referred to as “Winnie My Pooh”. In late 2021 Cheryll bravely faced a fourth cancer diagnosis. She had previously conquered breast cancer in 1987, thyroid cancer in 2006, breast cancer again in 2016, and ultimately battled metastatic breast cancer along with a vascular dementia diagnosis in 2022. A resilient fighter with an eternally positive attitude, Cheryll defied the odds multiple times throughout her 80 years. 

Cheryll was preceded in death by her parents, Milo and Betty, and her brother, Garry. She is survived by her husband, Bob; her daughters, Stacy Arnold (Dave) and Kelly Kopec (Dale); her four cherished grandsons, Benjamin (29), Zachary (26), Brady (24), and Nate (21); numerous nephews; one very special niece, and their spouses and families.

Cheryll’s family will hold a Celebration of Life in early 2025. In memory of Cheryll, donations can be made in her name to Elevation Hospice of Colorado or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.