Cheryl Lynn Warnke
  • In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:
  • Albuquerque Public Schools Education Foundation's A is for Art
    P.O. Box 25704
    Albuquerque, NM 87125-0704

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Message from the Family

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers in this time of loss. We greatly appreciate the love and comfort that we have received. God Bless You.

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Memories & Candles

“We were blessed for having Cheryl share her musical talents on our wedding day in LaPorte, IN. She will be greatly missed and cherished in our...Read More »
1 of 29 | Posted by: Mark Borawski - Kaneohe, HI

“Dear Warnke Family, It was with sadness that I read of Cheryl' death. She was the 5th grade teacher for our son, Scott, at Bluffview Elementary in...Read More »
2 of 29 | Posted by: Gwen Clouthier - Farmington, NM

“I knew Cheryl only slightly in the Delta Zeta Alumnae group, but was always impressed by her vivaciousness and her ready smile. I'm so sorry to hear...Read More »
3 of 29 | Posted by: Alice Wesner - Albuquerque, NM

“Dear Terry & Family, We were so sorry to hear of Cheryl's passing. She was a lovely talented lady. I'm sorry we weren't able to attend her...Read More »
4 of 29 | Posted by: Mary Fran & Niel Jasperson - NM

“I laugh when I think of the night that Cheryl and Judy entertained our Delta Zeta sorority group with a "Patsy Cline" night. Cheryl at the piano and...Read More »
5 of 29 | Posted by: Betty Jones - Albuquerque, NM

“Cheryl will always be remembered for her facility on that keyboard. Nobody plays as well. I will always remember. Marjorie ”
6 of 29 | Posted by: Marjorie Holmes - Albuquerque, NM

“Dear Warnke Family, We send our heartfelt sorrow in regards to Cheryl's passing. You are all in our thoughts during this difficult time. We will...Read More »
7 of 29 | Posted by: Wendy Alldredge - Friend

“When my aunt Cheryl entered a room she either cheered you up or lifted you up. She was as unique as she was amazing. Her humour was only outmatched...Read More »
8 of 29 | Posted by: Aaron Warnke - Singapore - Nephew

“We are sorry that we are unable to be there. Our thoughts, love, prayers, and sympathy are with Cheryl's family. Love, Dianne, Bruce, and Todd ”
9 of 29 | Posted by: Bruce Borawski - La Porte, IN

“Condolences to Terry and family. So many times my days were brightened when I came to Piano Source by your joy and happiness. Only good memories. ”
10 of 29 | Posted by: Ted Ledbetter - Albuquerque, NM

“I shared a teaching position with Cheryl for two years at John Adams Middle School in 1990-1992 when my son was a baby and she was caring for her...Read More »
11 of 29 | Posted by: Julia Church Hoffman - NM

“We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family has always been special to our family. Our prayers and love are with you all. ”
12 of 29 | Posted by: Barbara and Tripp Schwab - CO

“As I am sure that the Warnke Family will hear wonderful stories about Cheryl in the coming months and days and how she touched people's lives through...Read More »
13 of 29 | Posted by: Mark Schwab - Farmington, NM

“Terry and Julie and family Cheryl was a wonderful person, she will be missed May you find peace in your hearts to know that she finally is resting...Read More »
14 of 29 | Posted by: Nicole s Gonzales Carpenter - NM

“My deepest sympathy to Terry and your family. I have just lost my very good friend but am very grateful I had the opportunity to know and love...Read More »
15 of 29 | Posted by: Lonny Klapperich - Rio Rancho, NM

“Cheryl Mom.....I am so fortunate to be one of the countless people whose life was enriched and blessed by you. You shared your humor, your talent,...Read More »
16 of 29 | Posted by: Bill Matheny - Blanchard, OK

“Julie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God Bless your mother and all of your loved ones. ”
17 of 29 | Posted by: Marianne Roberts Bouloy - Austin, TX

“Cheryl, You enriched my life through your music so much it is hard to describe. I never failed to learn something new and wonderful about music...Read More »
18 of 29 | Posted by: Lanny Larson - Placitas, NM

“Cheryl, I will always remember playing the piano together after meals at Lucina Hall at Ball State. We would entertain our residents with our piano...Read More »
19 of 29 | Posted by: Sandy Hertling - Bloomington, IN

“I will never forget you Cheryl. If it had not been for you I would never have entered into the piano business. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you...Read More »
20 of 29 | Posted by: Judy Boren - Albuquerque, NM

“Ms. Cheryl - May you carry your bright and shiny joy into heaven with you and know that we will miss you very much and you will remain in our hearts...Read More »
21 of 29 | Posted by: Julie Walker-Matheny - Blanchard, OK

“I remember what a wonderful woman she was. She was always watching over my grandparents and making sure my grandfather stayed out of trouble. If...Read More »
22 of 29 | Posted by: Kerri Sanchez (Barratt) - NM

“We first met Cheryl at Piano Souce where John and I took Easy Play keyboard lessons. Teacher quickly became friend, then traveling companions. We had...Read More »
23 of 29 | Posted by: John & Joyle Moyer - Albquerque, NM

“Thank you Cheryl for all your confidence in me. I love you and your music will go on in me for ever. Not a day goes by that your not with me, for...Read More »
24 of 29 | Posted by: Sandra Muehlhausen - Belen, NM

“May you rest in peace and play your beautiful music in the heavens. I remember all the good times growing up in LaPorte. ”
25 of 29 | Posted by: Cynthia Selman - Carmel, IN

“My deepest sympathies to the family. I will remember Cheryl's great joy whenever she played. I regreat that we have not stayed in contact over...Read More »
26 of 29 | Posted by: Nancy Acree - albuquerque, NM

“Cuz - your heart and your spirit filled a room when you came in. My memories of you, whether bearing your sleigh bells on Christmas Eve or giggling...Read More »
27 of 29 | Posted by: Mark

“My beloved "Cuz", you are the sister I never had and the best friend anyone could hope for. There is a very special place in my heart, your place,...Read More »
28 of 29 | Posted by: Susie Smith

“On behalf of the French Family of Companies, we express our deepest condolences. ”
29 of 29 | Posted by: Harold Hamilton


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Cheryl Lynn Warnke, former owner of Piano Source and beloved teacher, died of cancer at her home in Albuquerque on Monday, January 30. She was 74. Cheryl was born June 25, 1937, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Earl and Stella Cumerford. She graduated from LaPorte High School in 1956 where she played trombone in the band. She received a degree in education in 1960 from Ball State Teachers College where she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. She was a gifted musician, learning to play piano at age of 3. Her piano teacher booted her out of class for playing by ear which led to a long career as a teacher and businesswoman. She played piano and organ throughout her life. She played at live venues around Albuquerque in the 1960s, including the Officers Club at Kirtland AFB and the High Finance restaurant at the top of the Tram. She also taught piano, organ and keyboard classes to students at Piano Source music store in the 1990s. She was an elementary school teacher at Farmington Public Schools, Deming Public Schools, the International School in Saudi Arabia, and Albuquerque Public Schools. She also owned the Piano Source from 1993 to 2000. She was a member of Sandia Baptist Church and lived in New Mexico for nearly half a century. She married Terry Warnke in 1960 and moved to Albuquerque in 1961. She also lived in Deming and Farmington. Cheryl is survived by her husband of 51 years, Terry Warnke; daughters, Julie Leitner and her husband, John; Laura Gilliland and her husband Mike; son, Scott Warnke and his wife, Leanne Potts; grandchildren Lauren Matheny, Logan Matheny, Christopher Gilliland, Elizabeth Gilliland, Lucinda Warnke and Jack Warnke; Aunt Ethel Shepard; and numerous extended family and friends. Visitation will be at French - University, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Friday February 3rd from 4:00-8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be at Sandia Baptist Church, 9429 Constitution Ave. NE on Saturday, February 4th at 11:00 am. Private interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Albuquerque Public Schools Education Foundation's A is for Art! Fund, P.O. Box 25704 Albuquerque, NM 87125-0704, or online at www.aps.edu/education-foundation/donate-now.