Cheri Juanita Finnicum

Cheri Juanita Finnicum (Bousquet) went home to meet her Savior on March 9, 2026 at the age of 72. She left this world in the embrace of her daughters while listening to Elvis; a perfect sendoff. Cheri was born on September 25, 1954 in Missoula, MT to Gene and Edith Bousquet. She grew up in Lewistown, MT and graduated from Fergus High School in 1972 where she was a member of the dance/drill team. She had many adventures riding bikes to Warm Springs, fishing, hunting, and causing trouble; which she loved to do. She spoke fondly of being given the nickname "Diamond Sam" by her uncles for being a card shark. Cheri was a spunky, independent force of nature who could outhunt and outsmart any cowboy when it came to hunting or the great outdoors. She had a keen intuition and a unique tenderness about her which was a draw for children and animals; both of which she loved fiercely.

Cheri raised four children in Shepherd, MT. Jacob, Caitlin, Joseph, and Calina were the light of her life and she was always involved in whatever activities they were interested in growing up. Whether it was keeping score for basketball games, heading the PTA, or chaperoning school field trips, Cheri was devoted to her children and to her grandchildren later in life. Cheri was the life of the party and always had something funny to say. If she had an opportunity to chat your ear off, she would take full advantage. She was an avid hunter and acquired many trophies over the years that she was very proud of. Cheri wore many hats throughout her life which included massage therapy and caring for physically and mentally disabled adults. Her favorite job/privilege was being a nanny for Trueston, Camden, and Colton. She considered their whole family a part of her own. Cheri loved horses, dogs, turtles, and collecting Native American artifacts as she was a member of the Salish-Kootenai tribe in which she held great pride.

Her wisdom and presence was taken from us and we will always long for more time. We will continually remind her grandchildren that Nana made the most delicious banana bread, told exciting hunting stories, always won at cards, read the best bedtime stories, was a wonderful dancer, and that Blue Hawaii is the best Elvis movie ever made. We will instill the teachings of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as she was devoted to Him.

Cheri is survived by her children Jacob (Shantel), Joseph (Lindsay), Caitlin (Jordan), and Calina (Brian); grandchildren Sloane, Scarlett, Parker, Jax, doggy grandson Nash, Aiden, James, and Benjamin; siblings Tim, Kim, Jim, Gina, and Kathy. Cheri was preceded in death by her parents Gene and Edith as well as her sister Lori.

Please join us for her memorial service in Lewistown, MT over this Memorial Day Weekend to celebrate her beautiful life. Please contact Caitlin or Calina for further details. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Disabled American Veterans Fund at www.DAV.org as Cheri donated to this organization until the time of her passing.

Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."