Cheri S. Garcia, 74, of Columbia, died Jan. 2, 2024, at home with her family at her side. She was born June 2, 1949, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Howard, and Charlotte (nee Gimpel) Breihan. She was married to the late David Garcia for 51 years. They were married Nov. 13, 1971, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia. He had passed away Sept. 12, 2022.

Cheri was a lifelong resident of Columbia. During that time she did a lot of volunteer work with American Legion Post 581 Auxiliary, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts and Columbia Blue Jay Football. Cheri enjoyed driving a school bus for Columbia Unit 4 School District for 20 years. Some of her favorite past times included traveling, gardening, reading and sitting on the deck listing to music and enjoying the outdoors. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Surviving are her sons, David (Tammy) Garcia of Valmeyer, Brian Garcia of Columbia and Marc (Carmen) Garcia of Columbia; daughter, Lisa Hooker of Columbia; grandchildren Conner, Violet, Marques, Manuel, Hayden, Jocelyn, Miguel and Jaxon; brother, Howard Breihan; along with other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Jan. 11 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, with Fr. Steve Thoma, C.R. officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness.