Portman, Cheryl 1958-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Cheryl Portman was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on Nov. 28, 2025, nearly two years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Born July 14, 1958, to CW Gillett and Elsie (Slifer) Gillett, Cheryl graduated from Lafayette in 1976 and earned a Bachelor’s from MWSU and MBA from William Woods. She was married to Patrick Portman from April 18, 1980 until his death in 2008. Together they raised Megan and Trevor, pouring everything they had into their family. After losing Pat, Cheryl was blessed to find love again and married Rodney Grayson on June 18, 2022. She welcomed his children and grandchildren with an open heart.
Cheryl worked at Quaker Oats until its closing, then at Mosaic, in Human Resources and as a Physician Recruiter, until her passing. Cheryl loved to travel and took many trips over the years. She visited 45 states, several countries, and went on multiple cruises with friends and family. Cheryl also loved the Kansas City Chiefs. After holding season tickets for over 25 years, Cheryl and Rodney watched most games with a group of friends who had a recent tradition of traveling annually to an away game.
The joy of Cheryl’s life was her grandkids. She repeatedly stated that missing out of their lives was the only regret she had in her passing. She wanted more time with them and she loved them so very much.
Cheryl was funny, kind, and a hard worker. She passed these traits on through her family and left a deep impression on her community. She will be missed daily.
Preceded in death by: husband Pat; parents; brother, Steve Gillett; and nephew Ray Dydell.
Survived by: husband, Rodney; children, Megan Moore (Caleb), Trevor Portman (Ashton), Mara Agosto (Casden), Marisa Grayson (Kameron Hylton), and Jesslyn Grayson; 12 grandchildren; sisters, Pam Hackathorn (Darrell) and Carol Ferguson; in-laws Shirley Helsel, Mike Portman (Sharon), Cindy Portman (Roman Shtohryn), Kathy Ingrim (Mark), and Rick Portman (Belinda); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cheryl has been cremated under the care and direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith-SidenfadenChapel of St. Joseph. Services for Cheryl will be held at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church, located at 5502 Frederick, St. Joseph, MO 64507. Starting with a Visitation on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Cheryl’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at 3 p.m., officiated by Pastor Doug Walter. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cheryl Portman Rural Medicine Scholarship at www.mymlc.com/giving, or checks payable to Mosaic Health Systemat Mosaic Life Care, C/O Philanthropy Department, 5325 Faraon Street, Suite 1115A, St. Joseph, MO 64506. To aid in crediting gifts, please make a notation in the check memo line: In Memory of Cheryl Portman. Donations may also be sent in Cheryl’s name to Ashland Methodist Church.
Take some time this week to hug your loved ones and pray to our God who comforts us in all things. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
