Cheryl Gwen Beers-Blondal

Cheryl Gwen Beers-Blondal, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on March 29, 1946, in Glendale, California, to Gaylord and Maxine Whitman. She passed peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

As the eldest of four siblings—Cheryl, Craig, Carol, and Clint—Cheryl cherished her childhood f illed with family vacations to Nebraska, weekend camping trips on the beach, and spooky stories shared with cousins. Her love for adventure shone through in horseback riding and playfully wrestling baby calves on her family’s Nebraska farm.

A proud 1964 graduate of John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, Cheryl went on to become an extraordinary mother to her four sons, Tim, Gary, James, and Marc, whom she loved f iercely. In 1977, she relocated her family from California to Utah, and in 1979, she graduated from beauty school. With her innate gift for making others feel beautiful, Cheryl opened Hair Performance, a thriving hair and nail salon in Utah, where she forged lifelong friendships.

In 1997, Cheryl met her soulmate, Birgir “Biggi” Blondal, and they married in 1998. Together, they moved to Torrey, Utah, in 1999 where they owned Torrey Grill & BBQ and Cheryl operated a hair salon. Known for their warm hospitality, Cheryl and Biggi welcomed visitors with homecooked meals, including their famous steak, chicken, and fresh scones. She and Biggi loved sharing Torrey’s beauty with friends and family, leading hikes, four-wheeling adventures, and ensuring everyone left with cherished memories.

In 2018, Cheryl and Biggi discovered Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, where they fell in love with the vibrant culture and welcoming community. They purchased a second home there, spending as much time as possible soaking in the tropical beauty and hosting loved ones. These trips created treasured memories for their family that will endure forever. 

Cheryl was a vibrant soul—warmly inclusive, unwaveringly loyal, and always happy. She never sweated the small stuff and radiated a spirit that was impossible not to love.

Cheryl’s boundless love for animals defined her life. She never passed up the opportunity to rescue anything that crossed her path, which included countless dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, ducks and chickens, treating them like their own children. Cheryl delighted in sharing stories of their latest “babies” with her grandchildren. Her passion for animal welfare led her to advocate for Color Country Animal Welfare (CCAW) in Wayne County, a cause she championed with joy and dedication.

Cheryl is survived by her devoted husband, Biggi; her sister, Carol, her sister-in-law, Hafdis (DeLynn); loving in-laws John and Vally Reilly, her sons, Tim Beers, Gary (Cammie) Beers, and Marc Beers; her bonus daughter, Kortni (Hage); her grandchildren, Sierra, Gavin, Gracie, Hudson, Violet, Austyn, Blakely and Hendrix as well as a vast extended family and countless friends who were family in her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Maxine, and her brother, Craig.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl’s close friends for their compassionate care during her final days. 

In lieu of flowers, Cheryl’s memory can be honored by rescuing a pet, donating to Color Country Animal Welfare, spreading kindness, or raising a gin and tonic in her honor—her favorite drink.

A celebration of Cheryl’s vibrant life will be held at a later date where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and memories. Details will be shared soon.