Cheryl Ann Rahkonen, age 69, of Harrison, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 7, 2021, at Conway Regional Hospital surrounded by her family.

Born in Galesburg, IL, on February 3, 1952, to Woodrow Wilson VanTine and Mary Elizabeth Nelson, Cheryl was the second of 4 children (Regina, Sallie, and Scott). She was a long-time resident of Harrison and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she attended the Harrison Ward.

Cheryl served her country from December 27, 1979 to March 30, 1988. While stationed in Colorado Springs, CO, she met Allan Rahkonen, her future husband. They were married on March 27, 1982 at Ivy Chapel in Fort Carson, CO. To focus more on her family, she was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Sergeant.

Cheryl's passions in life were her faith and family. A few of her hobbies included spoiling her grandchildren, playing family games and bingo, crafting, sewing, doting on her pets, collecting Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, enjoying anything orange, making up songs and 'trying' to sing. She was a compassionate, caring person known by friends and family for her humor, smiles and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents Woodrow and Mary, her brother Scott, and her sister Regina.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Allan Rahkonen; her eight children: Kevin VanTine (Kim) of Mountain Home, Sherrie Rine (Britt Loyd) of North Little Rock, Maria Kinsley (Harold) of Mountain Home, Mandy Donlan (James Brooks) of Mansfield, MO, Derek Rahkonen of Joplin, MO, Patrick Rahkonen (Crystal) of Middleton, WI, Ashley Bass (Adam) of Harrison, and Becky Goyette (Chad) of Harrison; 21 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; one sister Sallie Anderson (John) of Kapolei, HI; and 13 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, September 17th, 2021, at the Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison from 6 to 8 pm.  The funeral service will be Saturday, September 18th, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1 pm. Bishop Barry Johnson will be conducting the service. Her final resting place will be at the Maple Leaf Cemetery in Harrison.

Pallbearers will be Kevin VanTine, Derek Rahkonen, Patrick Rahkonen, Britt Loyd, Harold Kinsley and Chad Goyette.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the American Legion Allen-McKinney Post #44 or Camp Jack.

On-line condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com .