Miss Traci Cheesman 63, of Rochester passed away at 11:32 AM on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Millers Merry Manor of Logansport.

On November 6, 1960, a very special girl Traci Lynne was born to James and Sharon Campbell Cheesman. As the first born of the Cheesman girls, growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Melinda and Lori.

Traci grew up with contentment and great happiness.  Her sparkling eyes and radiant smile would light up the room.  Traci was a very loving soul and exhibited this trait to all she met.  With a sense of rhythm, she enjoyed going to the dances and dancing with her friends. She could always be counted on to give the BEST hugs.

During her early years, Traci attended Manitou Training Center where she learned basic skills of craftmanship and made many new friends.  Later she moved to Logansport where she lived and worked at Peak Community Services.

As a stellar Special Olympics athlete, Traci was a natural competing in bowling and horseshoes for more than 15 years.  She enjoyed the best of times, had lots of fun spending time with old friends and make new friendships. She usually prevailed as a leader and top competitor in her chosen sports. Traci was brimming with enthusiasm and was a true joy to coach.  When her friends needed help with their technique, Traci was always at their side as a peer coach helping them perfect their skills.  🙂

To relax, Traci loved watching classic TV shows, especially Three's Company and House.  When her chores were completed, she was ready to get out her deck of cards and invite friends for a friendly game of hearts.  An avid participant of activities, Traci's specialty was trivia and exercise classes.

A great character strength Traci possessed was her keen memory.  Always remembering important dates and family and friend's birthdays.  Everyone knew to expect a special phone call from Traci as she delivered her rendition of "Happy Birthday!"  Traci loved her Mom and Dad and sisters.  She adored her aunts, uncles and cousins and was always ready to celebrate birthdays and the holidays.

Left to cherish Traci's memory are her mother, Sharon Cheesman; her sisters: Melinda Straeter and husband Jim all of Rochester, Lori Brown and husband Bruce of Ft. Wayne; a niece, Hillary Tilden and fiancée Brad Johnson; two nephews: Colin Brown and wife Nicole, Derek Brown; her best friend Deb Perry; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Welcoming Traci to Heaven was her Dad, Jim Cheesman, March 29, 2019; and grandparents Edward and Kathleen Campbell and Wesley and Chloris Cheesman.

A celebration of life will be held this summer.  Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.  The arrangements have been entrusted to Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester.  Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made in Traci's name to Manitou Training Center, 1690 E Lucas Street, Rochester IN 46975 or Special Olympics in c/o Bonita McPherson, PO Box 22, Macy IN 46951.